Lyra’s POV
I felt Adrian before I saw him.
The heat of him. The gravity. That silent storm he carried around like a tailored suit.
He didn’t knock. Didn’t announce himself. Didn’t need to.
I was by the window, watching the shadows stretch across the manicured lawn like they had secrets. My body still hummed from Leo’s rage. From his touch. From his warnings.
Then Adrian’s voice slid behind me,smooth, lethal, low.
"You don’t have to play their game anymore."
I didn’t turn. Not yet.
"Aren’t you here to offer me your version of the same cage? Just in matte black instead of gold?"
He chuckled. A sound that was half sin, half sadness.
"I’m offering a key. If you use it to open another cell, that’s on you."
I finally turned. He stood in the doorway like temptation carved out of regret
