The quiet in Lucien's rooms was thick, smothering. I stood frozen, Serena's words still ringing in my ears. "She's been meeting with Alec in secret." My heart pounded, and I could feel Lucien's gaze burning into me. His grey eyes were dark, full of doubt and hurt.
"Is it true?" he asked quietly, his voice calm, too calm. "Have you been meeting with Alec?"
I fought to find my voice, my mind running for a way out. "Lucien, I—" I began, but the words caught in my throat. How could I explain without giving away everything? I had to be careful, had to make him believe me.
"Answer me, Corrigan," Lucien said, stepping closer. His speech was still calm, but there was an edge to it now, a warning. "Have you been meeting him?"
I swallowed hard, pushing myself to meet his eyes. "Yes, I've seen him," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "But it's not what you think."
Lucien's jaw tightened. "Then what is it?"
