She calls out to him, “I’ll walk you out.”
I nod, taking another sip from my glass before gathering our plates and heading to the kitchen, which has a window that offers a clear view into the backyard, and wouldn’t you know, it’s open—allowing their voices to drift in.
“Thank you for coming tonight,” Lyra says as he turns to face her.
“I’ll always be here for you, even when it’s hard to bear,” he replies, taking a step closer. She holds her ground, not stepping back as he raises his hand to touch her cheek. Watching from the kitchen, I clench my jaw, barely restraining myself from storming out there to break his damned hand.
“I know, and I appreciate it. Take care of yourself,” she responds, her voice steady.
Oh, if only she knew just how well he’d be taking care of himself—with a queue of women, no doubt, eager to assist him. He looks up then, his eyes finding mine. There’s a taunting glint in them as he leans down and kisses her on the top of her head. My teeth grind, and he winks at me, a smug gesture, before disappearing in a cloud of night.
Lyra turns and spots me in the kitchen, immediately coming back inside to wrap her arms around my waist and press her face into my chest. I hold her close, my hand gentlystroking her hair. “That went better than I thought it would,” she murmurs, looking up at me with a hint of relief in her eyes.
I bend down to kiss her softly. “Come, let’s go to bed, and you can tell me all about this solo trip to Zomea,” I suggest, feeling the weight of the night start to lift.
She laughs, a light, melodious sound that fills the room. “I might need you to remind me you’re mine while you’re at it,” I tease, enjoying the playful spark in her eyes.
“Feeling a little jealous tonight?” she asks, rising on her tiptoes to kiss me again, her lips teasing mine.
“Maybe a little,” I admit, though the lingering image of him touching her stirs a deeper unease within me.
“Then come to bed and show me who I belong to,” she whispers, her teeth gently tugging at my bottom lip.
Chapter 20
Nyx
I findmyself wandering the dimly lit corridors of the Elders’ Palace library. It’s late, and perhaps I should have stayed home, entertained by Tansy’s company, or had Twig concoct a potion to ease me into sleep. Yet here I am, compelled by an urgent need to uncover answers about Lyra.
I suspect Elspeth and Granger are asleep, if they’re even at home. Relief washes over me as I enter the vast library and find it deserted. I’m not in the mood to encounter anyone tonight, especially since this place stirs memories of Colton, which I’d rather avoid.
Flora’s searches have turned up nothing useful regarding Lyra’s future, and I refuse to believe my father’s prophecies were mere inventions. They originated from somewhere, and I’m convinced there must be additional writings about the dark Sorcerers or the prophecy concerning Lyra specifically. I am determined to unearth them, even if it means dismantling every library piece by piece.
With the recent revelations of Elspeth’s infidelity, it wouldn’t surprise me if she’s kept moreof my father’s journals hidden here. Colton managed to procure one of Callum’s journals, and if there were more, he likely would have handed them over to Lyra by now...unless he’s concealing something himself. Or perhaps the journals cast him in an unfavorable light.
Dinner tonight was excruciating. Watching them together is unbearable. I know I should want Lyra to be happy, but I can’t—not when she’s with him. Perhaps that reveals a flaw in my character, but I yearn for her happiness to be intertwined with mine. Colton simply doesn’t deserve her, and I’m fucking tired of him constantly mentioning Z, as if my feelings for Lyra are not real, merely an attempt to fill the void left by her.
I don’t want to dwell on Zaelinn. She’s gone, and pondering what might have been is futile. She’s not coming back. Overwhelmed by frustration, I kick over a stack of books and let out a huff of anger. Perhaps I should head to the training ring at the army camps—unleash some of this pent-up rage on soldiers who could really benefit from the practice.
”Don’t stop on my account. Please knock down the whole library if you think it will help,” she says from behind me.
I roll my eyes before turning to face her, not in the mood for whatever games Elspeth wants to play tonight. Normally, she’s timid and level-headed, but ever since her secret was revealed, I can barely stand to look at her. This woman, who pretended to be my mother’s friend, was having an affair with my father. Really, this mess is all her fault.
Granger has been a wreck. Since the council meeting, I haven’t been able to discuss any political strategy with him. He’s taking this all very hard. I’m surprised they are even still together. For all I know, they might not be—it could all just be for social appearances.
I used to look up to Elspeth after my mother passed, sought her advice and help, even once when Lyra needed her Fae magic awakened. But now I don’t know how to feel about her.
“It won’t help,” I drawl, running a hand through my hair in an attempt to ease the tension building inside me.
“What is it that brought you here tonight? Don’t think I haven’t noticed how often Flora has been visiting too. What are you hoping to find?” she asks. I really don’t feel like having this conversation with her. I look down, grappling with how to respond, when she presses on. “You’re searching for a way to get her back, aren’t you?” she probes, catching me off guard.
My eyes snap to hers—what does she know about it? “What if I am?” I reply, striving to keep my voice nonchalant.
“Then I’d say maybe I want to help you,” she offers, taking me even more by surprise.
“Why would you want to help me get Lyra back when she’s engaged to your son?” I ask cautiously. Elspeth is a scheming woman, but her love for Colton is undeniable.
“You don’t need to worry about why. Do you want my help or not?” she says, making me feel like this could be a setup. I glance around the library, extending my essence to confirm we are truly alone.
