Rose
Olivia hesitated, her lips pressing together as if she wanted to protest, but she relented. She let her hand fall away, stepping back slightly as she glanced between her children, her heart clenching at the sight of their raw emotions.
The moment Rose was freed, she didn't hesitate. Her hands were still gripping Lucian's collar, and she pulled him closer with surprising strength, their faces so close that he could feel her warm, uneven breath against his skin.
"I said,"Rose began, her voice trembling but fierce, "never… never do it again. Did you hear me?" Her tone cracked with desperation, her eyes blazing with a mix of anger and anguish."I don't want to lose you again. NEVER!"
Her voice grew louder, the emotion pouring out of her in a flood she couldn't stop. Tears streamed down her flushed face, her lips trembling as she spoke the words she had kept hidden for so long."I love you! I love you more than myself, Lucian!"