Lucian's eyes filled with tears he did not let fall. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet," Lilith said. "I still don't know what I'm going to choose. I still don't know if I can live with any of the options. But at least..." She stopped. "At least now I know I'm choosing for the right reasons. Not because I hate you. But because I love all of you too much to watch you suffer."
Lucian pulled her close and held her like she might disappear if he let go.
And Lilith moved closer and pressed her head to his chest and let herself be held.
Let herself feel the bonds wrapping around her like chains made of silk and starlight.
Let herself pretend, just for a few more minutes that love might be enough to save them all.
Even though she knew it was not.
***
Nicholas POV
The training grounds behind the estate had been transformed into something Nicholas barely recognized.
