Chapter 94

Alistair’s POV

I couldn’t stop thinking about Lyra. Even a few days apart felt like an eternity. My mind drifted to her whenever I closed my eyes, and I barely managed to focus on anything else. She was supposed to return yesterday—maybe her flight was delayed or canceled. With that small hope in mind, I slid into my office chair and spun aimlessly, trying to calm the anxious buzz in my head.

I glanced at the wall clock: only 5:00 p.m. My shoulders sagged. It was still too early. My phone vibrated relentlessly in my right pants pocket, the insistent buzzing slicing through the silence of my office. I pulled it out and answered without thinking. “What is it?” I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.

“She’s home,” my assistant’s breathless voice reported.

“Guard the house,” I said immediately, “I’ll be there.” I ended the call and rose to my feet—but just as quickly, I froze. She had only just returned, and I didn’t want to overwhelm her the moment she