Ronan Hale:
I still felt the ghost of his lips on mine.
The warmth, the pressure, the way he tasted—like something dangerous and forbidden, but somehow right.
I didn't regret it.
I wanted more.
That was the worst part. The part that made my chest feel tight, made my fingers twitch at my sides. Because I should have hated that it happened. Should have shoved him away the second it started.
But instead, I let it happen.
I kissed him back.
And now, as I walked with my head low, still trying to piece together what that meant, I felt a soft hand slip into mine.
Elara.
She squeezed my fingers, then leaned in, pressing a warm kiss to my cheek. Her breath was a whisper against my skin.
"I'm proud of you."
Something in my chest cracked open at those words.
I bit back a grin, but I knew she saw it. She always saw through me.
And then, out of instinct, my gaze flickered toward him.
Lucien was already watching.
