Lucas's breathing was still uneven, the lingering heat of anger mixing with a sharp pang of regret in his chest, his expression tight with guilt as he reached Selene, who was slumped against the wall where she had fallen. Her hair was disheveled, strands clinging to her flushed cheeks, and her eyes were wide, not with fear exactly, but with the kind of shock that came when one's trust was suddenly shaken.
Without saying a word, Lucas bent down and slid an arm beneath her knees, the other behind her back, lifting her effortlessly. She didn't resist, but her gaze searched his face as though looking for some unspoken explanation. He carried her back to the bed, lowering her gently onto the soft sheets.
"Selene…" His voice was low, almost hoarse, as he settled beside her. "I..."
