⚠️ CONTENT WARNING –
This chapter contains depictions of psychological distress, panic attack, and non-consensual physical contact (including unwanted touching and restraint).
Reader discretion is strongly advised.
If you are sensitive to these themes, please take care before proceeding.
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Lucian didn't even glance toward the door. His eyes stayed locked on Cassian, dark, certain, possessive.
"They'll find you," he said, voice dropping to a whisper. "And they'll promise to protect you. But they can't."
He reached out, not to touch, just to hover near Cassian's knee.
"Because the thing that's breaking you?" His smile returned—gentle, chilling.
"It's not out there. It's the boy you left behind. And he's still screaming, Elliot."
