Lucien's POV
"Whoever dares intrude upon our home," they growled, their weight pressing me into the ground.
No. I had to act—now—or this was over.
"Do not be afraid," I grunted beneath them, forcing my voice steady despite my racing heart. "My companion and I were newly sentenced here."
Their eyes narrowed.
"Lies," one of them snarled. "Show us proof."
I swallowed, then strained just enough to turn my head and open my mouth, revealing the false branding—the mark burned into my skin by the purple orb.
They leaned in, staring at it in silence. Too long.
"If we were not sentenced," I said quickly, "we would never have been able to enter the Hollows."
Their gazes shifted from me to Lila. Suspicion still lingered, sharp and heavy—but slowly, reluctantly, they climbed off us.
I exhaled shakily.
At least they didn't kill us, I thought.
But the relief didn't last.
They stepped back and raised their weapons once more, blades gleaming in the dark.
