Since when did your heart stop?" Ethan wondered aloud, his actions deviating from the politeness usually required of a high-ranking person like Lucian in the Twillight Court.
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Doubled over in pain, he curled inward, a snarl peeling back to reveal his sharpened canines.
There was an alluring quality about them, a grim reminder of his beastly nature that served as a stark contrast to his indisputable charm.
Ethan found himself longing to reach out, to caress Lucian's jaw and place a comforting kiss on his lips.
"And what's your guess?" came Lucian's sarcastic retort.
Despite his rugged exterior, Lucian carried a scent that was uniquely his.
An intoxicating blend of sweetness that hinted at a subtle feminine quality.
It was a soft, compelling fragrance that one would least expect from a creature of the night.
"I'm obviously not alright, Ethan. You should know better," Lucian snapped back.