Chapter Seventy-Eight
*The Glass Vase*
The morning of the wedding dawned bright and clear, but a storm raged inside Lyra. She woke up feeling hollowed out, the sadness from the night before clinging to her like a cold shadow. The grand penthouse was buzzing with quiet, expensive activity. A makeup artist and a hairstylist set up their stations by the window with a view of the city.
Lyra sat in the silk robe, a mannequin to be painted. She was silent as the artist brushed colors on her face, trying to build a mask of a happy bride. In the mirror, she saw Xami leaning in the doorway of the room, watching her closely. His expression was unreadable, but his presence was a solid, quiet anchor in the room. He didn't speak. He just watched, as if making sure she was still there.
Downstairs, t
