Chapter 26

Lyra’s POV

“I prefer purple,” I said, keeping my voice even despite the pressure curling in my chest. The words sounded calm, reasonable—nothing like the knot tightening beneath my ribs. I couldn’t imagine spending a fortune—money I hadn’t earned, money that still didn’t feel like it belonged to me—on a single dress. The thought alone made my stomach twist. With that kind of money, entire lives could be changed. Debts paid. Futures reshaped. Besides, my favorite boutique always carried gowns just as beautiful, just as well made, for prices that didn’t make my hands shake when I looked at the tag.

Across the showroom, Valerie whirled around sharply to face Sienna, the hem of her own dress swishing with the movement. Her eyes flashed, irritation barely contained behind her polished smile. The air felt suddenly tighter, as if the room itself had sensed her displeasure.

Sienna didn’t flinch. She didn’t avert her gaze or soften her posture. She simply stood there