Chapter 17
Apr 30, 2025
Lyra (Seraphina)
The moon was high as we walked back through the woods toward the estate. I was still fuming, still thinking about that smug look on Lucien’s face when I almost skewered him with an arrow. So, naturally, I did the most mature thing I could think of.
I stuck my foot out and tripped him.
He didn’t fall completely, but he stumbled and growled low in his throat, spinning around to glare at me.
“What the hell, Seraphina?” he snapped, shoving me lightly on the forehead. “You’re annoying as fuck, you know that, right?”
I just shrugged, unbothered. “And you are a meanie. Most of the time.”
He blinked, stunned, and then let out a half-laugh, half-growl. “A meanie? What are you, five?”
“Well, you’re acting like a big spoiled wolf baby.”
He rolled his eyes dramatically. “I’m a meanie, you’re a cock blocker. I have needs, Seraphina.”
I threw my hands in the air. “Then keep your dick in check, Lucien. Or use your hand.”
He stared at me. “My hand? Wait—is that—are you saying I should…?”
I nodded. “Yes. You’re a grown man. Handle it yourself.”
He looked scandalized. “Why would I do that when there are so many people lining up for me?”
I stopped walking and turned to him, making the most exaggerated gagging sound I could. “Oh my goddess. That’s disgusting.”
He grinned. “What? Can’t handle the truth?”
“You’re talking about a line of people for you? Gross.”
“Why can’t you line up for me?” he teased, walking backward now with that annoying smirk on his face.
“I would rather throw myself into a ditch,” I said, pretending to gag again. “Ugh. Your ego is disgusting.”
“My dick is pretty tasty, or so I’ve heard,” he said smugly.
I made another loud barf noise, this time doubling over and holding my stomach dramatically. “Please stop! You’re going to ruin my appetite for the week! Oh my goddess, Lucien!”
He just laughed like it was the best thing he’d heard all day.
And I hated that I laughed too, just a little.
***
When we finally arrived back at the estate, the guards opened the gates without a word. Everyone had gone quiet for the night. The halls were dark, and the warmth of the hearths had faded.
“I’m taking the first shower,” I said, already walking ahead of him.
“Have fun,” he muttered, heading in the opposite direction.
I stepped into the bathroom, the familiar scent of lavender soap calming my nerves. I peeled off my sweat-soaked clothes and stood under the hot water for what felt like forever. It washed away the dirt, the cold, and maybe even a little bit of my anger.
When I returned to our room, Lucien was already there—half-asleep in the chair near the fireplace. He hadn’t even bothered to change out of his training clothes. His head was tilted back, lips slightly parted, arms crossed over his chest.
I slipped under the sheets and turned my back to him. The room was warm, quiet… safe.
***
But then the dream came. The cellar. The cold chains. My mother screaming my name. The sound of footsteps… coming closer. The crack of a whip.
“No, no, please—”
I jolted awake, gasping for air, heart racing. My skin was clammy, my fingers clenched the sheets like they were the only thing keeping me grounded.
“Seraphina?”
I blinked in the dark. Lucien’s voice was groggy but alert.
He was already by the bed, crouched beside me. “It’s okay. It’s just a dream.”
I didn’t answer. Couldn’t.
He reached out carefully, placing a warm hand on my arm. “You’re safe.”
I shivered.
My whole body was trembling, the fear still wrapped around my lungs like chains. “Come here,” he said softly, pulling the blanket back and sliding in beside me.
I didn’t resist. Didn’t fight. I let him pull me into his arms.
His scent—cedar and smoke—was suddenly comforting instead of irritating. His arms wrapped around me, strong and steady, as he pulled me to his chest.
“You’re okay,” he whispered again, fingers brushing through my hair. I pressed my face into his shirt, letting the heat of his body soak into mine. My breathing slowed. My heart calmed.
And in that drowsy, half-asleep state, something strange happened.
I let myself feel… safe.
