Watching the prince's figure slowly melt into the crowd, Lucas's golden eyes gleamed for a brief moment—
sharp, radiant, almost predatory—
before quietly darkening.
…Was I mistaken?
It had only lasted an instant, but he was certain of what he felt then.
That disgusting, crawling presence that clung to the prince the moment his hand touched Janica.
A sensation Lucas knew all too well.
"U-um… Lucas?"
Janica's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
He turned immediately and, without hesitation, gently took her hand. His gaze dropped to her wrist, brows knitting together in concern.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," she replied quickly.
"…Is that so," he muttered. "Still—just in case."
Before she could protest, his other hand joined the first, carefully cradling her wrist and palm.
A soft warmth spread from his touch as faint divine energy flowed through her.
Janica felt her face heat up.
He was always like this—
