Lyra's POV
I waited for the signal, standing before the grand double doors that opened to the sweeping staircase where Dimitri would soon welcome me.
My nerves were on edge.
Through the doors, I caught the low hum of conversation from the gathered guests. The women’s voices rose above the rest, laced with a mockery they didn’t bother to hide.
“How dreadful it must’ve been for Elira to miss the ball,” one said, her words dripping with derision.
“Oh, truly heartbreaking,” another replied with a hollow laugh. “I heard she was completely crushed.”
Their remarks cut deep, but I kept my head high. They knew nothing of what I had endured—of the deadly snares hidden in that garden, waiting to end me.
Then, suddenly, the chatter died down. My pulse quickened.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the he
