Lyra's phone buzzed, dragging her from a fitful sleep. She blinked, disoriented, memories of the previous night flooding back - Damien's touch, her loss of control, Caden's comforting presence. Her hand trembled slightly as she reached for her phone, dread and curiosity warring within her.
The text was from Damien: "Lyra, I'm sorry if I pushed too far last night. What I saw was beautiful, not frightening. You're extraordinary. Let me take you to dinner again, show you how special you truly are."
Lyra's breath caught in her throat. Relief warred with lingering fear, and beneath it all, a traitorous flutter of excitement. Damien's words painted a tempting picture - acceptance, admiration, a world where she didn't have to hide. But the rational part of her mind screamed caution. He had seen
