Lyra's POV
I swallowed hard, glaring at him through the glass. "If Kael hasn't consumed the poison, I'll help you," I said, my voice trembling with a mixture of fear and defiance. "But if I find out he's already—"
"We don't have time for your conditions, Lyra," Adrian interrupted sharply, his cold eyes narrowing. "Every second you waste brings him closer to the brink. Do you want his death on your hands?"
I froze, his words hitting me like a physical blow. I knew Adrian was manipulative, cruel, and cunning. But this time, he had me backed into a corner, and he knew it. My loyalty to Kael was unshakable, but the possibility of losing him—because of me—was unbearable.
I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. "Fine," I said through gritted teeth, my voice barely above a whisper. "But if you hurt him in any way, I'll make you regret it."
