Chapter157: The Truth

|| Lilac's POV || Alaric carried me into my room, his arms steady despite the blood that stained both of us. My clothes were torn, my skin smeared with dirt and dried blood, and his hair was disheveled, his face etched with exhaustion and worry. But the closeness, his scent, everything helped me to calm my nerves. He set me down gently on my bed, his touch careful, as if I might break. I clung to him, my fingers digging into his shirt, my body trembling with the aftershocks of fear. “Let me get you clean,” my mom said softly, stepping forward with a damp cloth in her hands. But I shook my head, my grip on Alaric tightening. “No… please don’t leave,” I whispered, my voice trembling. The thought of him walking away, even for a moment, sent a fresh wave of panic through me. What if they came back? What if I was taken again? What if they try to... “I’m not leaving you,” Alaric said, his voice steady and firm. He sat on the edge of the bed, pulling me closer as I leaned into his chest. His