Chapter 65

Alistair’s POV

It had been far too long since I first learned that Lyra had arrived at the party, yet I hadn’t seen her. I should never have left her alone. Regret gnawed at me as I watched the crowds swirl around me. I glanced at Gideon, my assistant, and gave him a curt nod. He was already moving to search for her.

Moments later, Gideon returned, his footsteps hurried. He leaned in close and whispered, “She’s at the gathering, Boss. But I think she’s in some kind of trouble.”

The instant I heard the word trouble, anger flared within me. No one needed to tell me who was behind it—I knew, without a doubt, that Valerie had a hand in whatever was happening. I said nothing to Gideon and strode away, heading straight for the gathering.

As I rounded the corner, I spotted Lyra struggling with her gown, clutching its hem and running toward the exit, tears streaming down her face. My heart clenched. I reached out and caught her arm just as she was about to das