Chapter 99

Lyra’s POV

I pushed open the heavy door of the women’s restroom and slipped inside, my shoes squeaking quietly against the polished tile floor. I was ready to wash my hands and finish up, eager to rejoin the others at the event outside. Steam from the running faucets swirled in the air, catching the harsh overhead fluorescent lights and lending the room an almost surreal glow. A faint scent of perfume and disinfectant mingled, creating that familiar hush of antiseptic calm.

As I reached the sink pad, lifting my chin to turn on the tap, a low, drawling voice cut through the silence:

“Well, well, well.”

My heart skipped a beat. I froze, hands midway through lathering soap, and slowly raised my eyes. There, leaning casually against the mirror’s edge, stood the one person I never expected to see here, much less in this room. It was Julian.

His gaze bore straight into mine, those pale eyes half-hidden beneath the brim of his cap, but still burning wit