TERESA'S P.O.V.
The weight of Lucian's words hung in the air, and I was at a complete loss for what to say. Everything he'd just revealed—mates, Lunas, and an entire pack depending on me—felt like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over my head. My heart pounded, my hands shook, and my voice cracked when I finally managed to speak.
"This... This is so overwhelming," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I don't even know where to start. How am I supposed to grasp all of this?"
Lucian tilted his head, his expression softening. For a moment, he looked almost innocent, an odd contrast to his usual larger-than-life presence. "You don't have to grasp it all tonight," he said gently. "Take your time. Also, there's a story I need to tell you—something that will explain why I've been the way I've been. But tonight's already spent, and tomorrow, we have a journey to begin. We'll have plenty of time to talk, Teresa. I promise."
