Hours later, noon arrived. The scent of freshly cooked food filled the air as Livia moved around the kitchen, focused on preparing lunch.
The moment Aldus entered the room, the atmosphere shifted. Ever since she bore his mark, his presence had become stronger—intixicating, magnetic. Even his scent was enough to make her turn to him instinctively.
She smiled brightly, walking over to greet him with a kiss on the cheek. But when she pulled back, the warmth in her expression faded. Aldus stood still, his gaze cold and unreadable.
A nervous chill crept down her spine. He wasn't saying anything—just watching her, eyes sharp as ice.
"Is… something wrong?" she asked softly, trying to sound calm.
He didn't answer right away. His silence felt heavier than anger, and the longer it stretched, the more her chest tightened.
When he finally spoke, his voice was low—dangerously low. "Is there something you want to tell me, Livia?"
