Chapter 87 –WHEN THE PAST WALKS BACK
Lucian
The morning sunlight spilled through the curtains in soft ribbons of gold, gliding over the hardwood floors and brushing against the laughter echoing down the hall. It was one of those rare mornings when peace didn't feel like a stranger when the world outside Arden's walls could have burned, and I wouldn't have cared.
From my study, I could hear Rina's voice gentle but firm calling the twins to finish their breakfast before the syrup turned their plates into sticky chaos. Isla's giggle was followed by Lila's protest about wanting "just one more spoon," and Rina's light laugh wrapped them both in warmth.
That sound her laugh did things to me I couldn't describe.
It made the empire I built feel small.
