The soft clinking of cutlery and muffled chatter filled the dining room as I hesitated near the doorway, gathering myself. Gabriel had invited us all for dinner—a rare occasion where civility was expected. I thought the meal would be a much-needed distraction from Lucas's insufferable antics. What I didn’t expect, however, was the sense of dread curling in my stomach as I saw him already seated at the table, his casual confidence radiating from across the room.
“Lyra,” Gabriel called, gesturing toward the empty chair next to Lucas. Of course. It had to be next to him.
I forced a polite smile and walked over, avoiding Lucas’s eyes as I slid into the seat. He didn’t say anything at first, which was unusual, but I could feel his gaze burning into the side of my face. I focused on Gabriel’s
