"No. I will never let you reject me for this nobody."

Lyra's voice shouted, pointing her finger straight at me.

She stepped fully towards us with her chin high and her red hair catching the light. For once, the elegance in her every movement couldn't hide the rage rolling off her.

Rowan shifted, but his hand stayed wrapped around me. "Lyra..."

"Don't," she snapped, her voice trembling just enough to betray the crack beneath. "Don't you dare pretend this means nothing. I've stood by your ...