rizzle, but inside Amara's apartment, anot

the fabric. His presence filled the small space-not overwhelm

he table lamp, their earlier kiss stil

thrummed, fast

e was low, roughened slig

ly her fists were clenched at her sides

her words surpr

just there, offering quiet support. His thum

to push you,"

aze falling to the floor. "I'm pus

h understanding. "You're

ttled over her, easing som

hts glinting through rain-speckled glass. The hum of passi

ent, neit

ases leaning against the wall. The abstract swirls of blu

r art," Lucian observed, voice gen

he corner of the sofa. "It's easier to capture be

n memories. "I used to think that too," he admitted, settl

them crackled again, raw

Amara asked quietly, surpri

fierce," he began, voice laced with both pride and sorrow. "

ing the edges of her

memories. "She trusted the wrong person... Someone who made her question her worth every da

htened, understan

n't save her,"

eavy. "No. But maybe...

is words linger

ched for his hand, the

essed, voice trembling. "But... mayb

m deepening-not heavy with fear, but charged with the fragil

one within Amara raged on-excep