That night, at that glittering banquet, she had been there—a solitary figure hunched in a shadowy corner. Tear tracks glistened on cheeks that looked hauntingly identical to Zoe's.
Initially, that resemblance had made him favor Lyra. He had seen Zoe in her and felt drawn to the familiarity. But gradually, the contrasts between the two women sharpened like knives.
Zoe retreated from conflict. She kept her emotions locked away like forbidden treasures. Lyra was completely different. She wore every joy and every grievance on her sleeve. She gave him playful pouts and dramatic sulks. Her energy was vibrant and impossible to ignore. He had grown addicted to her whirlwind presence. He mistook her constant chaos for genuine affection. He indulged her every whim without question.
Now doubt goug
