"Why do you defend me that much?"
That was the first thing Lumina asked the moment they got to their chambers and the doors closed behind them.
Ashen said nothing but simply walked past her, where he left her standing with his steps silent, his presence colder than before.
Lumina turned, trying to get where he was standing but before she could move, she felt the floor beneath her shift ever so slightly. Her brows furrowed, she had noticed how soft it was, it wasn't this way when she came the previous day.
"Stella," she called softly and Stella rushed to her side, her face pale, her hands trembling as she clutched Lumina's fingers.
"My lady… I was so scared today. I thought I would be sent to the dungeons. I thought…"
"You should know by now," Lumina said gently, cupping her hands, "that no one is allowed to harm you as long as I am here. You belong to me, and I always protect what's mine. So don't be afraid. You don't need to listen to anyone else. Just me, Stella."
