Chapter 100

Scarlett's POV Three days. We stayed in this dense forest for three days. And during those endless days of watching Lucien sweat through fevers, coaxing him to eat and drink, and sleeping beside him at night to share warmth—even though, for the first time, he had suggested sleeping apart because he didn't want his fever to affect me. But just as he was stubborn with himself, I also didn't listen to him. On the fourth morning, I suddenly woke up alone, and the hand that was supposed to be on my waist every morning was gone. I slowly opened my eyes. "Lucien?" When there was no response, I hurriedly stood up and left the shelter formed by the large tree roots. The fire had burned low, leaving only gray ash, but I could still detect his scent lingering in the air. Was it a rogue? Had he been taken by rogues while I slept? Damn it! I let my guard down. I scrambled upright, panic clawing at my chest until I heard it—branches cracking, heavy footsteps coming from behind me. Enemy? "Scarlett?"