Annelise's words echoed in my mind as I walked through the corridors of Thorne Manor. *Do not be afraid to show him all the fire he has awakened in you.*
My steps quickened with purpose. For too long, I'd let my insecurities dictate how I approached Alaric. Today would be different.
I found him in his study, bent over documents at his desk. The late afternoon sun slanted through the windows, catching in his dark hair and illuminating the strong line of his jaw. He hadn't noticed me yet, and I took a moment to simply drink in the sight of him—my husband, this man who had chosen me above all others.
Without announcing myself, I closed the door behind me with a decisive click and turned the key in the lock.
Alaric looked up at the sound, surprise flickering across his features before his lips curved into that half-smile that never failed to make my heart race. "Isabella? I thought you were—"
