Chapter 30

Lyra’s POV

The moment Alistair walked in, the lively chatter that had filled the room died down, and I found myself blinking in surprise. Why had everyone gone so silent? I glanced around, confused.

“Alistair?” Mrs. DeWitt exclaimed, her voice catching with genuine surprise. She stood in the middle of the parlor, colorful tea cakes arranged neatly on the table beside her.

“Mother,” he replied evenly, striding forward. “I’m here to collect my wife.”

My stomach fluttered at his words. Across the room, Sienna—Alistair’s sister—looked right at me and beamed. Heat spread over my cheeks, and I hurriedly turned my gaze elsewhere.

Mrs. DeWitt opened her mouth in protest. “But—”

“Where’s Grandma?” Alistair asked, cutting her off. He reached for her arm, but Mrs. DeWitt gently steered him away. Their low-toned conversation drifted out of earshot, leaving me uncertain of exactly what was said.

I rubbed my arms, relieved at the thought of finally