Julian's POV
Blood dripped down my back, each drop hitting the stone floor with a soft patter that echoed in my ears. I deserved every lash, every slice of pain that Aurelia had inflicted. The whip had carved my sins into my flesh—a temporary mark for permanent failures.
When Aurelia suddenly swayed on her feet, her eyes rolling back, my body moved before my mind could process what was happening. I lunged forward, catching her limp form just before she hit the ground.
"Aurelia!" My voice broke as I cradled her against my chest, panic surging through me at how fragile she felt in my arms. Her skin was pale, almost translucent, and her breathing came in shallow gasps.
Matriarch Genevieve rushed to my side, her eyes wide with concern. "Her heart! Get her upstairs immediately!"
