The door burst open and hit the wall.
Seraphina froze in the doorway, her hand locked on the knob.
The air in the room felt heavy, thick with residual mana. But she didn't notice the energy.
She just saw Lucian. Standing in the middle of the floor, completely shirtless.
She stopped breathing for a second. Just a week ago, when she bandaged his ribs, he was nothing but skin and bone. Now, lean, hard muscle packed his chest and shoulders. Clear, physical definition lined his stomach.
Her face burned bright red.
She instantly spun around, hands flying up to cover her eyes.
"W-WHY ARE YOU SHIRTLESS?!"
"I was changing!" Lucian said, his voice rushed and defensive. "You just barged in!"
She parted her fingers just enough to look.
And that's when her eyes registered it.
Silver.
Her hands dropped to her sides. She turned all the way around and stepped closer, staring directly at his face.
