“Zeda,” Lucian called, his voice laced with desperation, as she ran from the mess he had created. “Zeda, please wait!”

He went after her with supernatural speed, appearing in front of her just as she reached the bottom of the stairs.

“Please hear me out, love,” he pleaded, reaching for her hand.

“Don’t touch me!” she yelled, jerking away with a look of pure anger and disgust on her face.

Hurt sliced through his heart at her reaction. He knew he deserved worse. “It’s ...