°•♡Chapter 37~ The Lie that Burns

He didn’t say a word and neither did I.

My breath caught in my throat, the air around felt heavy, pressing down against me with the weight of something I'd spent the last five years fearing.

Lucien's eyes remained on the twins, his expression unreadable but even then, I knew something was brewing beneath those amber orbs.

Kael took a small step forward, curious as always. Talia instinctively reached for my hand, hiding behind my dress.

Lucien’s gaze finally settled on me, cold and unmoving.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, voice tighter than I intended.

He didn’t move, didn’t blink. “We need to talk.”

I could feel the weight of that statement settle somewhere in my head.

But not here.

Not in front of them.

I glanced down at the twins, their innocent eyes wide and waiting patiently for answers—answers I couldn't give.

“Go inside,” I said softly, brushing Talia’s hair back. “I’ll come soon.”

“But—”

“Now.” My voice was gentle but firm.

They obeyed without argument, though Talia glanc