A week had passed since Mara’s escape had failed, and the palace corridors still whispered with the aftermath of that fateful night. Ever since the failed attempt, Lyra had refused to speak to Mara. Anger and betrayal had taken root in her heart, and though Mara had pleaded for forgiveness, Lyra remained adamant: she would only forgive her if Mara explained why they had to leave. But Mara, shrouded in secrets and burdened by the weight of her own decisions, had refused to reveal the truth.
That particular morning, Lyra awoke in her chamber with a heavy heart and a mind filled with uncertainty. She had reluctantly agreed to meet with the prince—a meeting she had been avoiding ever since their passionate, complicated tryst—hoping to at least settle her uneasy conscience. The soft light of d
