** Lyra’s Pov **
I had barely crossed the threshold of the Lupari mansion when Richard's voice sliced through the grand foyer like a whip.
"Stop right there, young lady."
The command froze me mid-step. My silver hair swayed as I turned to face him. Richard lounged in his armchair, swirling a glass of scotch, his cold eyes pinning me in place. The ice cubes clinked ominously.
Before I could draw breath, a sharp crack! exploded through the air.
Pain blossomed across my cheek, snapping my head to the side. My hair curtained my face as I slowly raised trembling fingers to the burning skin.
Linda stood before me, her manicured hand still raised, her lips curled in a snarl. "That," she hissed, "is for stealing my daughter's betrothed."
The words hung in the air like poison.
R
