Lyria’s POV

The knock on Mother’s door startles us both. I pull away from her embrace, wiping my tear-streaked face with the back of my hand. My eyes are puffy, mascara smeared like black rivers down my cheeks as I wonder who it may be and whether we’ve been overheard. Mother stands up, smoothing her dress, and calls out, “Who is it?”

“It’s me, My Luna,” a soft voice replies from the other side. “It’s Maid Elara. Alpha Theron sent me a message for Miss Lyria.”

Mother ...