|| Lilac’s POV ||

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice gentle.

“I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have approached you so suddenly,” he apologized, his tone sincere.

I tried to steady myself, my hands gripping his arms for support. His scent was faint, a hint of sage that was pleasant but not alluring. It wasn’t like Alaric’s scent, which had always drawn me in like a moth to a flame.

“I want to go home,” I whispered, my voice trembling.

“Of ...