"I'll be back in a few minutes," he says, almost too hastily, and strides out of the room.
Once I'm alone, I peel off the hated maid's uniform and step into the shower. The hot water cascades over my shoulders, and I can't hold back a moan of relief as it soothes my aching body.
“Can we trust him?” I ask Eira, letting my forehead rest against the cool tile.
“I'm tired of being a pawn in these Alpha games,” I add, thinking of Kael, of Sabrina, of all the machinations that led me here.
“Lucian offers a path to securing your child’s future,” Eira responds, her voice warm, but with an edge of warning. “ Trust your instincts, little one, but tread with caution.”
I close my eyes, letting the steam envelop me, and try to quiet the war between my heart and my head.
A soft knock sounds just as I finish wrapping myself in the plush towel. Before I can respond, Lucian enters, a jar of ointment in his hands. His eyes darken as they trace the constellation of bruises across my exposed shoulders and arms.
“I brought something for your wounds,” he says, his voice husky and thick.