Chapter 32. Lucian’s Confession

But no amount of training could silence the storm inside her.

“Ella.”

She turned sharply, startled by the familiar voice. Lucian stood behind her—steady, tall, his presence like a steady flame in the dark. There was something different in his eyes tonight. A quiet weight.

She managed a tired smile. “Lucian… I didn’t expect you here.”

He stepped closer, his aura calm, his voice careful. “I needed to talk. I couldn’t keep this in anymore.”

Her smile faded. Her chest tightened. “Is everything okay?” she asked, a flicker of worry in her eyes.

He shook his head gently. “No. But it will be. I just… I need to say this.”

Lucian reached for her hand, his fingers warm and trembling. When their skin touched, something in Ella’s breath hitched. Not because of the mate bond—but because of how honest he looked.

“I love you, Ella.”

Her world paused.

“I’ve tried to fight it. I’ve tried to tell myself it would fade, that I could bury it. Bu