|| Lilac’s POV ||

The cabin was bathed in the soft glow of the firelight, the warmth of the flames casting flickering shadows across the room. The scent of herbs and spices filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the wood and the faint sweetness of the wine we had been sipping. Alaric moved around the kitchen with practiced ease, his muscles flexing as he chopped vegetables and stirred sauces. I couldn’t help but watch him, my eyes tracing the lines of his broad shoulders ...