Promises.

Aiden's heart hammered against his ribs as Lucian pulled back slightly, his hands still gripping Aiden's arms as if afraid he'd vanish.

The dim light from the small barred window cast faint shadows across Lucian's face, making his sharp features appear even more intense.

His eyes, always filled with quiet strength, now searched Aiden's with something like concern, curiosity and worry.

"What are you doing here? How did you get in?" Lucian's voice was low, laced with both surprise and worry.

Aiden swallowed hard, the weight of guilt pressing down on his chest like an immovable stone.

He had wanted to see Lucian, to reassure himself that he was okay, to apologize, but now, standing here, reality crashed over him.

If anyone found out he had sneaked into the dungeon, if anyone saw them together like this… doubts would arise. Suspicions would grow. And that would just make things worse.

"I'll go back," Aiden said quickly, stepping back in an attempt to put space between them.

It was a mistake.

Coming here was reckless, and he knew better. But before he could retreat any further, Lucian's hands tightened around his wrists, pulling him back with a firm yet gentle grip.

"I didn't mean you should leave," Lucian corrected, his voice softer now. "I just… I'm wondering how you got past the guards. Aren't they outside?"

Aiden hesitated, his lips parting slightly as he considered his words. He had been lucky, slipping past the guards while they were fast asleep. But luck wasn't something he could rely on forever.

"I should really go before anyone sees me here," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. His guilt gnawed at him, relentless and unforgiving.

Lucian's brow furrowed, his grip on Aiden's arms tightening slightly. He knew, he knew something was wrong with Aiden, he could see it, "What's wrong?" He asked, his voice only a whisper.

Aiden clenched his fists. He had never been the type to keep quiet when something weighed on his heart, and right now, the burden felt too heavy to carry alone.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, the words tasting bitter on his tongue.

Lucian frowned. "For what?"

Aiden's breath hitched.

He could feel the lump forming in his throat, the weight of everything pressing down on him all at once. "I landed you in trouble," he admitted. "You wouldn't be here if it wasn't for me. Lucian, I don't want to be the reason why things start crumbling for you. I know I love you, but maybe… maybe what we've started is the wrong direction to take."

Lucian's entire body tensed. His grip loosened, but he didn't let go. Instead, he searched Aiden's face, his jaw tightening. "What are you talking about?" His voice was calm, but there was an undercurrent of something dangerous beneath the surface.

Aiden forced himself to meet Lucian's gaze, even though it hurt. "You were right," he said, his voice shaking slightly. "It'll be terrible especially for you when the Alpha and the others find out about what is going on between us. You'll lose everything, Lucian. Your position, their respect, your future. So maybe we should stop before it's too late."

Lucian inhaled sharply, his chest rising and falling with the weight of his emotions. "Why are you talking like this now?" he asked, his voice strained. "You're the one who told me we could do this. That we could keep it a secret, that no one had to know. I made up my mind, Aiden. Whatever this is, whatever is happening between us- I want it. I want you."

Aiden's breath caught.

Lucian's words settled deep into his soul, wrapping around his heart like an unshakable force.

He had been terrified that Lucian would change his mind, that the weight of his responsibilities would make him rethink everything.

And yet, here he was, standing in a cold, dark dungeon, punished for his mistakes, and still saying that Aiden was worth it.

"I made up my mind," Lucian repeated, his voice raw. "And I won't change it again. So stop talking like this."

Aiden's eyes burned, his vision blurring slightly. He hated that his emotions were so transparent, that Lucian could see right through him.

"Okay," Aiden murmured, the word barely making it past his lips.

Lucian let out a breath, his fingers twitching as if resisting the urge to reach for him again.

But then he gave in.

His hands cupped Aiden's face, rough yet tender, his warmth seeping into Aiden's skin. Slowly, he leaned in, pressing their foreheads together, his breath fanning against Aiden's lips.

Aiden barely had time to react before Lucian closed the distance, capturing his lips in a kiss.

It was slow, deliberate, nothing desperate or rushed, but filled with a quiet intensity that made Aiden's knees weak.

Lucian wasn't asking for permission; he was reminding Aiden of how hard it had been before they finally agreed with each other, how it had been hard to accept what they were feeling for each other, everything they had risked.

Aiden kissed him back, but the moment he did, the reality of their situation came crashing down on him again.

They were in a dungeon. Lucian was being punished. And if anyone saw them like this, the consequences would be far worse than just a scolding or a few days of confinement.

With a soft gasp, Aiden pulled back, pressing a shaky hand to Lucian's chest. "I have to go," he whispered.

Lucian hesitated, his fingers lingering on Aiden's wrist before slowly, reluctantly, letting go.

His expression was unreadable, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes, something like longing, like a wish.

"Okay," he said quietly.

Aiden took a step back, his heart hammering painfully against his ribs. He didn't want to leave.

Every fiber of his being wanted to stay, to be near Lucian, to forget the world outside of this moment. But he knew he couldn't.

With one last lingering glance, he turned and slipped back into the shadows of the night, disappearing as quietly as he had come.

And behind him, Lucian stood in the darkness of the dungeon, his hands clenched at his sides, his body thrumming with unsaid words and unspoken promises.