NIRELLE

When I open my eyes, everywhere is bright, and not just early morning brightness, almost as if it is noon. I sit up in bed, and as if he had been waiting for me, Lucien rushes to me.

"Careful," he says, stretching his hand to help me sit straight, and my body freezes.

"I can do it myself," I say and am surprised by how cold my voice can get. "Thank you," I add because of how bad I feel about my reaction. Was I wrong for punishing him for a sin he didn't know I was aware of?

"How do you ...