Rosalie’s eyes reddened instantly.
Tears gathered with practiced ease.
But instead of replying to me, she turned to Lucian, her voice trembling.
“Perhaps I should leave… I do not want to upset Selene or make the two of you quarrel because of me.”
“It’s late,” Lucian said immediately, his tone softening. “Where would you go in weather like this? It isn’t safe outside. Go rest.”
So he did know that.
He did know a woman might be unsafe outside at night.
A bitter smile tugged faintly at my lips.
Once, when I lived far from the hall, I had walked home alone many nights. Rain or moonlight, it made little difference. One evening, I asked him to come for me.
He had laughed lightly.
There are people everywhere in the territory. What is there to fear?
He had been right.
Even deep into the night, the territory was never truly empty.
What was there to fear?
Rosalie lingered another moment, watching him as though waiting for more reassurance. When none came, she lowered her head and slipped quietly back into the guest room.
I had no strength left to continue.
I brushed past Lucian, entered my room, and shut the door behind me.
A moment later, he knocked.
“Selene.”
Then again, sharper.
“Selene, open the door.”