#Chapter 230 - Home

Lila I could feel it in the stone beneath my bare feet, in the calm rhythm of the sentries’ hearts beyond the gates: the kingdom was in a time of peace. I slipped through the eastern corridor, skirts gathered in one hand, the cool floor pressing against my soles. When I reached the stables, I found Damon waiting. He leaned against the archway, dressed simply in dark linen, the moon catching the strands of his hair. His eyes glowed faint amber in the dim light, soft and steady. “You didn’t think I’d let you sneak out alone, did you?” I smiled, tugging my cloak tighter around my shoulders. “You were the one who said we deserved one night to disappear.” He pushed away from the wall, closing the distance between us in two steps. His hand found mine, fingers rough, warm. “Then let’s disappear properly.” The forest swallowed us whole within minutes. I felt Ruby stir inside me, restless and awake. You feel it too, she murmured, her voice low and eager. It’s been too long since we’