chapter369

Lydia was used to sprawling out in bed, stretching however she wanted. Most nights, it was just her, so she never really cared how she slept. But last night had been different.

"What are you doing? she asked, her voice a little shaky.

Connor leaned in close, his breath warm against her skin, and kissed her. His lips were soft, gentle at first, almost cautious, but then the kiss deepened, slow and intense. It was like every unspoken feeling between them came rushing out in that single moment.

Lydia's cheeks burned. Even though she always acted cool and unbothered, the truth was, she had no experience with this kind of intimacy. Not even a little. She felt completely out of her depth.

Connor's kiss grew more passionate, and for a second, Lydia forgot everything else. It was just the two of them, lost in each other.

"Lydia," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Before she could respond, a quiet knock at the door snapped her back to reality.

She pushed Connor away, scrambled out of bed, and tried to collect herself.

Connor got up too, still looking annoyed, and went to answer the door.

"What is it?" he asked, his tone sharp.

Damien peeked inside and immediately looked like he regretted it. He could tell he'd interrupted something.

Uh, someone from Black Eagle is here. They want to know if there's any news about the cure."

Connor's jaw tightened, his voice turning cold. "Tell them to wait.'

"Yes, sir!" Damien said, practically running off.

Once Lydia was dressed and ready, she found Connor still brooding. "Black Eagle sent someone?" she asked.

He nodded, barely looking at her. Yeah.

"I'll go talk to them."

She had already finished the formula for the cure, but making the actual medicine was going to take a little longer.

Outside, Scar stood waiting, looking anxious. As soon as he saw Lydia, he rushed over, trying to smile. Miss, really sorry to bother young again but the old lady isn't doing well. My boss sent me to see if the cure was ready yet."

Lydia gave him a cool look. Didn't I say it would be ready in three days? How long has it been?"

Scar shifted uncomfortably. "Yes, you did, but the old lady is not looking good..."

"I've stabilized her for now. She'll be fine for three days."

Scar looked at her, sweating a little. He clearly didn't expect her to sound so confident. "But, Miss, could you please come check on her agai please was really unwell this today? She

morning."

Lydia's eyes narrowed, curious. "What exactly was wrong?"

"She kept throwing up. Couldn't keep anything down."

"Have her drink hot water and stick to light foods for now."

Scar hesitated. "So, when can you come see her again?"

Before Lydia could answer, Connor's icy voice cut in from behind. "Do you really think you can just call on her whenever you want? Who do you think you are?"

If Lydia hadn't insisted on going yesterday, Connor never would have agreed. Now

these people were acting like they could order her around?

Scar shrank under Connor's glare. Sorry... It's just, the young lady's skills are amazing, and our old lady's illness..."

"Leave!" Connor snapped.

Scar stumbled back, startled, and nearly tripped over his own feet.

"I told you the cure will be ready in

three days. Go back and wait for my message" Lytha said, her yorce steady. She could tell there was something more behind their visit today.

She wasn't wrong. Scar's real mission was to bring Lydia back to Black Eagle because Night Eagle wanted to see her. But with Connor here, there was no way that was happening.

Connor glared at Scar, barely containing his anger. "Are you still here?"