A Choice

TERESA'S P.O.V.

The castle was quiet, save for the occasional creak of old wood settling in the night. My heart beat louder than I cared to admit as Lucian escorted me back to my room. His hand hovered at the small of my back, not quite touching, yet I could feel the warmth radiating from him. It was infuriating how he managed to stir emotions in me with the smallest gestures.

As we reached my door, I turned to him, trying to ignore how his lightless gaze seemed to pierce through me. His presence was magnetic, impossible to ignore. I cleared my throat, attempting to sound casual.

"Thanks for walking me back," I said, gripping the door handle tightly, as if it would still my racing heart.

He tilted his head, his lips curling into a small, knowing smile. "Always."