WHEN CELESTE opened her eyes, she was startled. She couldn’t see anything but darkness. Mabilis siyang napabalikwas ng bangon.
“Your Grace.”
Celeste heard Lyla’s voice.
“Lyla… I couldn’t see.”
“Your Grace, kumalma ka.” Hinawakan ni Lyla si Celeste.
But Celeste was struggling from Lyla’s hold and nearly fell down from the bed. May sumalo sa kaniya na matipunong braso.
“Lucian?” Celeste asked. She immediately inhaled his sandalwood scent.
“It’s me, Celeste.”
“Lucian, wala akong makita. Ang dilim.” Nanginginig na sabi ni Celeste. “Open the windows.”
Lucian held Celeste in his arms. “Celeste, the windows are open and it’s already eight in the morning.”
“No…” Umiling si Celeste. Tumulo ang kaniyang luha.
Hinaplos ni Lucian ang buhok ni Celeste. “I’m here.”
Itinulak ni Celeste si Luc
