-LILIAN-
The echoes of Lyra's venomous words still stung, burning in my mind long after she had swept out of the room. My body still trembled with a mixture of anger and the helplessness of being unable to defend myself. Elara, sweet, gentle Elara, had stayed by my side, wiping away my tears, murmuring soft comforts. She was my only anchor, my quiet shield against the horrors of this castle.
Then, the door opened again. My breath caught in my throat. It wasn't Lyra's sweet perfume this time, but the heavy, possessive scent of Alexander. My entire body tensed, fear, cold and sharp, immediately seizing me. He hadn't been in my room for three days, and though the healing had been faster without his oppressive presence, the memory of his monstrous face, his terrifying power, was etched into
