|| Alaric’s POV ||

I glanced at Lilac again, my gaze softening as I took in the curve of her cheek, the way her lashes brushed against her skin when she blinked. She was so beautiful, so strong in ways that had nothing to do with her wolf. She had survived so much, endured so much, and yet she was still here, still fighting. I wouldn’t let her face anything alone. Not now, not ever.

Reaching over, I gently took her hand in mine, my thumb brushing over her knuckles. She turned ...