Chapter 83

• Aurora’s POV
• I sat beside Lucian’s bed in the quiet, dimly lit room on the upper floor of the mansion. The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast gentle shadows on the walls, creating a serene atmosphere that belied the gravity of our situation. Lucian lay propped up by a stack of pillows, his once vibrant face now pale and lined with exhaustion. His leg, bandaged and propped up with care, was still very weak, and he was limited to a diet of clear liquids.
• “How’s your leg feeling today?” I asked softly, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. The touch was meant to comfort both him and myself, to bridge the gap between his current state and the memories of him being strong and full of life.