"Livia…" a deep voice called out, rough and hoarse — one that made her heart stop cold. "I know you're here."
Her breath caught.
No. Not him. Not now.
But it was too late — his scent seeped through the cracks of the door, colliding with hers in a storm of primal heat. And the moment it touched her senses, her resolve trembled.
> "Mate…" Lilly purred weakly, her voice drenched in longing.
"No — stop!" Livia hissed, clutching her chest as if she could tear the bond apart with her bare hands. "We're free. We're free now. We don't need him."
But her body didn't listen.
Every instinct screamed for her to open that door. Every nerve begged her to run into his arms. And every breath she took made her want — want in a way that terrified her.
Outside, Aldus's footsteps stopped. He was right there. Inches away.
"Come out," he said quietly, his voice rough with restraint. "Before you hurt yourself."
And Livia's body shook at the sound — because she knew the truth.
