Lucian nodded. "Yes. She's okay."
Relief washed over her instantly.
She gave him a weakened smile. "You… You're crying." Her hand reached out, palm cradling his cheek.
The maan nuzzled into her touch, his beads of tears, warm. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have left you. I don't know what to do. I am confused and I am so lost. I'm trying so hard not to lose my mind, but…"
If he'd stayed behind with Francesca, not that he knew this would happen, Nikolas would have—
"It's okay. I'm glad that you went. Niko can be reckless sometimes and he needs you." Francesca smiled. "Did everything go well? How is he?"
Lucian froze.
He didn't speak.
His gaze was cast down and his shoulder had gone slumped.
Francesca blinked in confusion. What was going on? She didn't like the look on his face. She didn't like this feeling that had suddenly occupied the atmosphere.
"Lucian…?" Her hand on his face trembled. "Say something, will you? Is-is Nikolas okay?"
