Lyra stormed down the hallway, her heart pounding with anger and fear. Every moment without her son felt like a lifetime, and Alaric's suspicious behavior lingered in her mind. She didn't want to believe he was responsible, but the signs were too clear to ignore. She was done with waiting and worrying. She needed answers, and she would get them now.
Reaching Alaric's chambers, she didn't hesitate. She flung open the door, her eyes blazing as she found him seated calmly, as though he hadn't a care in the world. His gaze lifted slowly, meeting hers with a look of feigned surprise.
"Lyra," he greeted, a small smile playing on his lips. "What brings you here so unexpectedly?"
"Where are they?" Her voice was low and cold, dripping with barely-contained fury. She took a step closer, her fists clenched at her sides. "Where is my son? And where is Mina?"
