The second the hands release me, I whip around, already knowing what I expect to see. But that does nothing to lessen the shock of it.
I stumble back until I hit a tree, and then I sink to the ground as my entire body trembles from the force of holding back my tears.
Following me to the ground, his brown eyes fixed on my face, wearing an achingly familiar smile, is Lucian. "Hi, love."
A sob escapes, and then I throw myself at him, my hands sliding over his wet skin, trying to burrow even closer as tears stream down my face. "Lucian."
I still don't believe it's him. Not really. Not until I feel his arms wrapped tight around me. I inhale his scent, drawing it deep into my lungs. It's a scent that reminds me of home. "It's okay, Cassia. I have you."
That's when I know this isn't a dream, and that Lucian is alive and in my arms.
After that, I fall apart.
