Chapter 108

• Lucas POV
• The walk back to my office is a slow, brooding one. The halls are quiet, the late afternoon sun bleeding in through tall arched windows, casting long shadows across the marble floor. My mind churns with the weight of Cathrine’s sudden shift in demeanor—just yesterday, she was all fire and affection, wrapping herself around me like a second skin, laughing, bold. Then something broke in her, quietly but deeply. Since the incident with her furniture, she’s become guarded, hesitant. That light in her eyes has dimmed, and I can feel her emotions flickering like a candle in the wind.
• As I approach my office, I find my Second already waiting outside, arms crossed, foot tapping in that impatient rhythm he uses when he’s about to challenge me. I nod to him in greeting, steeling myself for the argument I know is coming. He’s never been subtle.