Chapter Eighty-Eight
*The Transfer of Power*
The Louis family home felt different. Quieter. The usual tension was there, but it was laced with a new, weary sickness. Leonor Louis sat in his favorite armchair in the study, a blanket over his knees, his face pale.
Lyra stood before him, Xami a solid presence at her side. “Father, we were worried when you weren’t at the wedding. You just said you were unwell.”
“A faint spell, my dear,” Leonor said, his voice thin. He wouldn’t meet her eyes. “Just the stress. The doctor said to rest. I’m sorry I missed your day.”
Lyra’s gaze flickered to the doorway, where Naomi hovered like a silent bat. She did something to him, a voice whispered in Lyra’s mind. A pill in his tea, a threat… something to keep him away. But she pushed the dark thought dow
