|| Lilac’s POV ||

I didn’t think. I just ran to him, throwing my arms around him and burying my face in his chest. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I clung to him, his scent a balm to my frayed nerves.

“Alaric,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “I’m so sorry… after everything… I had to come and see you.”

He held me tightly, his hands warm and reassuring against my back.

“Dove, what’s wrong?” he murmured, his voice soft and soothing.

I ...