Selene’s POV
Lucien matched my pace, his presence solid, too close, his black tunic stretched tight across his shoulders. The villa’s wards pulsed faintly, a low hum brushing my skin, their glowing runes etched into the walls like whispers of power.
I stopped at the arched doorway, my hand resting on the cold stone frame, and glanced at him, my green eyes sharp. “Back to my cage, huh?” I said, my voice biting, sarcasm dripping from every word.
Lucien turned, his ice-blue eyes glinting in the torchlight, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “Not quite,” he said, his tone low, rough like the edge of a blade. “You can move around the villa now. Roam the halls, the gardens—whatever you want. But you don’t leave the clearing without my say-so.” He stepped closer, his scarred hands flexing, the air between us tightening. “And tomorrow, you start training with Vira. She’ll teach you to handle your shifts, your powers.”
I laughed, short and harsh, crossing my arms over my chest. “Training?
