Chapter 43. Nightly Nightmare

Zayn stood up from the edge of the bed, stretching his arms a little before turning to look at the sleeping boy—Lucien.

The room was quiet. The curtains were half drawn, allowing a dim stream of light to slip through, just enough to outline Lucien’s resting face. His breathing was slow and soft, the blanket rising and falling gently with his chest.

Zayn’s eyes lingered and he didn’t know why.

Lucien’s face was relaxed for once. No fear, no panic, no pain. Just... peace. His dark lashes rested lightly against his skin. Zayn’s gaze moved, landing on Lucien’s lips.

They were soft, slightly parted and pink like a baby’s. He looked so young in sleep, like someone who’d never been hurt, never been touched by the world’s cruelty.

Zayn frowned slightly.

What the hell was this?

He rubbed his neck and looked away, his jaw tightening.

“What is wrong with me?” he whispered under his breath. “Why am I feeling this way?”

He had never noticed t