|| Lilac's POV ||

I woke up with a light headache, the kind that lingers after a night of too much wine and too many emotions. The memories of last night came rushing back in vivid flashes— Kael’s desperate attempt to frame me, Coco’s venomous glare, Alexander’s calm presence, Madeline’s quiet strength, and Alaric… Alaric and our night together. My lips curved into a small, involuntary smile as I recalled the heat of his touch, the way his voice had growled low in my ear, ...