Lucian's chest tightened as Asher's serious gaze held him in place.
For a moment, the world narrowed, leaving only the echo of his pulse in his ears. His mind reeled with too many questions.
However, his desire to live far outweighed those doubts.
He took a breath—slow, deliberate—as though steadying himself for what was already set in motion.
"I know someone."
A brief silence settled between them.
"Just to be clear," Asher paused for a beat, "it has to be a first-degree relative. Distant ones won't do."
The others stiffened, eyes flicking nervously to their father.
Would he trade their lives for his own?
Lucian rubbed his temple, frustrated. His offspring were too judgmental.
"Don't worry. I mean your uncle, Leno," he clarified.
They all sighed in relief, not a single protest in sight. Even Lucy's face twisted in distaste—it was clear they all hated their uncle.
