Chapter 25

Alistair’s POV

I watched Lyra dart away and felt a surge of relief, even as a faint smile tugged at my lips. Grant entered the room at that moment, and I caught myself still gazing in the direction she’d vanished. The smile vanished just as quickly, replaced by the stern mask I wore whenever duty demanded it.

“Sir!” Grant greeted, bowing his head in deference.

I turned on my heel. “Take your men and go after her. Make sure you keep me posted on every development.” My voice was sharp, but underneath lay the worry I refused to show.

Grant nodded once, crisply, and hurried out. I stepped away from the window and headed upstairs, every footstep echoing in the corridor. My mind raced: was she safe? Had I sent her into more danger than I realized? But for now, there was nothing more I could do but wait for updates.

Lyra’s POV

When the car stopped in front of the downtown boutique, Sienna and I climbed out onto the empty sidewalk. I looked