[Lavinia's POV — Same Evening—Dawnspire Wing]
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
The sound was relentless. I groaned, half-buried in my pillow, while Marshi's faint snores vibrated beside me.
"Who in the name of sanity—" I mumbled, pushing the blanket away.
Then came the voice. Slurred. Desperate. Familiar. "Lavi… Lavi, open the door… please, Lavi…"
My eyes snapped open. Osric.
For a heartbeat, I just sat there, stunned. Then I heard the guards outside—firm, professional, and panicked. "Lord Osric, please—let us escort you back to—"
"No!" his voice cut through, shaky and stubborn. "I… I need to meet my Lavi. My beautiful, angry Lavi…"
I sighed, rubbing my temple. Of course he'd pick now.
Pulling my robe tighter, I stepped toward the door and unlatched it—and nearly stumbled back when he lurched forward, half-tripping over his boots, eyes glossy and cheeks flushed pink like he'd been dipped in wine.
The moment his gaze found me, his entire face lit up.
