Alina's POV
"I don't think you did it."
The words make his smirk falter for a split second. I push on, voice soft but steady.
"I don't think you're as bad as people think you are."
His smirk slowly returns, deeper this time, curling at the edges with something almost dangerous.
"You really think so?" he asks, voice low.
"I do." My throat feels tight as I meet his eyes. "You could have killed me during the accident… but you didn't. You saved me instead. That's something I'll never forget."
Lucian's gaze darkens, heavy with unspoken things. He takes a slow step closer, the space between us shrinking.
"You know I did that because I'm connected to you," he says, the words rough and honest. "I've never felt a pull toward anyone the way I feel it for you, Alina." His voice drops even lower. "But I'm not a good man. I've killed people before."
The confession settles heavy in the air.
