Page 40 of Fated for Dawn

He smiled wistfully. “Yeah. It wasn’t until Zade took me flying one night and showed me the stars that I realized the night had its own kind of beauty. The darkness isn’t something to fear; it’s a canvas for the light.”

His words lingered. I could see the boy he once was, vulnerable and unsure, making me love him even more.

I squeezed his hand. “I wish I could’ve been there to see that moment.”

“Did you have any fears as a child?” he asked softly.

I thought for a moment, staring up at the sky. “Not really. I was a pretty fearless kid. However, if I had to pick something, it would be dark. But it never lasted long. I always kept a book and a flashlight nearby.”

He nodded, like he could picture me as a little girl, stubbornly reading under the covers.

“I used to love storms,” I continued. “The way the lightning would crack open the sky, and the thunder would rattle the windows. Maybe it was my lineage affinity, even then, drawn to the energy in the air.”

“Storms, huh? Most children would be terrified.”

“Yeah, I guess I was a weird kid,” I said, grinning. “There was something comforting in the chaos of it all. My lineage affinity was most likely drawn to the energy in the sky.”

Rafe stroked my hair, his touch gentle and thoughtful. He sighed a content, peaceful sound. “Sometimes I think we’re like the stars. Even when we’re surrounded by darkness, we can still shine.”

As we lay there, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. All thoughts faded away, leaving only this perfect moment under the stars.

The night slipped away far too quickly, and before I knew it, we were heading back home.

A mouthwatering aroma hit me as we stepped into the mansion. “Do you smell that?” I asked Rafe.

He nodded, grinning. “Smells like Lucien’s stress-baking again.”

Following my nose to the kitchen, I found Lucien surrounded by what had to be five batches of cookies—all my favorites.

“Oh my god,” I gasped, reaching for a still-warm chocolate chip cookie. “These look and smell amazing!”

I blew on it before taking a bite, the rich, buttery dough melting on my tongue, gooey chocolate coating my taste buds. A delighted hum escaped me. “They taste as good as they look!”

Lucien watched me carefully. " I haven’t had a chance to taste them yet, but I’m glad they turned out okay. It’s been a while since I tried this recipe.”

“Are you opening a bakery or something?” I teased, grabbing another.

Lucien frowned and waved a hand dismissively. “Hardly. Just felt like baking.”

“Well, I’m not complaining,” I said, shoving another cookie into my mouth.

Rafe, already on his third cookie, swallowed and patted Lucien on the back. “These are excellent.”

I sighed happily. “Thanks, Lucien. These are great. I’m off to bed.” I turned to Rafe, smiling. “Thanks for tonight. It was perfect.”

Rafe’s gaze warmed as he stepped closer, wrapping me in a brief hug. “Anytime, Evelyn.”

“Actually, Evelyn, may I have a word?” Lucien asked.

Rafe squeezed my shoulder. “I’ll leave you two to chat,” he said, kissing my cheek quickly before heading to bed.

I turned back to Lucien, grabbing another cookie ready to joke about his domestic streak. But the look in his eyes stopped me.

“Evelyn,” he began, his voice unusually hesitant. “There’s something I need to tell you. I…I haven’t been entirely truthful with you.”

My stomach dipped. “What do you mean?”

Instead of answering, Lucien grabbed a glass and poured me some milk, sliding it toward me.

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