Chapter 104

Chapter 104: Scars of the Past, An Alpha's Vow

"No, Lucian. Please don't." My voice came out as a desperate whisper.

I pressed my back against the wall, trying to keep distance between us. The vulnerability I felt was overwhelming. For weeks, I'd hidden these marks, these physical manifestations of my broken heart, from everyone.

Lucian's eyes darkened with determination. "I need to see them, Aria. All of them."

Before I could protest further, he took my arm gently but firmly, turning me to face the wall. My breath hitched as he pinned my wrists above my head with one hand.

"What are you doing?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"Trust me," he whispered, his breath warm against my ear.

I felt his fingers at the top of my dress, finding the zipper. Slowly, deliberately, he pulled it down, exposing my bare upper back. The cool air made me shiver—or maybe it was his gentle touch tracing the edge of a wound.