LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 6: A Sovereign’s Devotion
The apartment was silent, save for the rhythmic breathing of those inside.
Lucien sat by the window, his golden eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. The city outside was nothing but ruins—a graveyard of broken steel and shattered dreams.
Yet, within these walls, something precious still existed.
His family.
Selene. Valeria. Eris.
He turned his gaze toward the sleeping figures on the couch. Selene had fallen asleep first, exhaustion finally catching up to her. Her long silver hair spilled over the pillow, her expression soft and peaceful.
Valeria had drifted off soon after, her arms crossed, her body curled up in the large chair beside the couch. Even in sleep, she looked defensive—as if she refused to lower her guard completely.
Lucien's gaze lingered on them. A warmth spread through his chest.
They were his. And he would never let them suffer again.
Eris, however, was still awake.
She lay on her side, her golden eyes half-lidded as she watched him silently.
"You don't sleep?" Lucien asked.
Eris blinked slowly. "I'm not used to it."
Lucien studied her. "Because of what they did to you?"
She flinched slightly, but didn't answer.
Lucien didn't push. Instead, he leaned back against the wall, his tone casual. "You're safe here."
Eris stared at him for a long moment before whispering, "Safe?"
The word felt foreign on her tongue.
Lucien nodded. "No one will ever hurt you again."
Her breath hitched.
She had heard those words before. Empty promises. Lies. But when Lucien said them…
She wanted to believe.
Her fingers tightened around the blanket. "…If I belong to you, then I don't need to be safe."
Lucien smirked. "You really are stubborn."
Eris didn't answer, but her golden eyes softened just a little.
She closed them after a moment, her breathing steadying. For the first time in years, she allowed herself to rest.
Lucien watched her for a moment before turning his gaze back to the window.
His grip tightened slightly.
This world had taken enough from him.
It would never take anything again.
---
The Morning After
The scent of something warm filled the apartment.
Selene stood by the stove, stirring a pot of soup, her silver hair tied back loosely.
Lucien sat at the small table, watching as Valeria rubbed the sleep from her eyes.
Eris sat across from them, still quiet, but less tense than before.
Selene turned, placing a bowl in front of Lucien first. "Eat."
Lucien took the spoon without hesitation. The taste was simple, but warm. Familiar.
He glanced at Selene, his expression softening slightly. "It's good."
Selene smiled gently, her icy blue eyes shimmering with warmth.
Valeria scoffed. "She always spoils you."
Lucien smirked. "Jealous?"
Valeria clicked her tongue. "Shut up."
Selene chuckled softly before placing a bowl in front of Eris.
The girl stared at it for a long moment.
Lucien's voice was calm but firm. "Eat."
Eris hesitated, then slowly took a spoonful.
The moment the warm broth touched her tongue, her hands trembled.
She swallowed, lowering the spoon.
"…I don't remember the last time I had real food."
Lucien's eyes darkened slightly, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he reached out and placed a gentle hand on her head.
Eris froze.
Lucien's voice was low but unwavering. "Get used to it."
Eris's breath hitched.
Selene and Valeria exchanged a look, something unspoken passing between them.
Lucien didn't just save people.
He claimed them.
And now, Eris belonged to him too.
---
The First Step Forward
The world outside was still broken. But inside these walls, something was being rebuilt.
Lucien knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy.
The apocalypse hadn't ended. The horrors beyond the city still lurked in the shadows.
But for now, his family was safe.
And as long as he drew breath, they always would be.