Chapter 90. Mischievous & Wise

Lex’s POV

How could I be so bloody dumb? Guilt gnawed at my insides. I should have known Lilly wasn’t going to leave—she had just found her family. She would never abandon Zack and her parents. The realization burned, making my chest ache.

“Maybe you should get your temper in check!” Lotus huffed, giving me a warning glare. “And not listen to little birdies!”

“You’re one to talk,” I shot back, anger prickling beneath my skin. “If you didn’t react to Harold’s scent, we wouldn’t be in this predicament!”

I still didn’t know what Zack wanted to tell me; he’d seemed so excited, so eager to share the news. Now, that anticipation twisted in my stomach, soured by the tension.

“True,” Lotus said, sneering, cutting off my thoughts. “Maybe you should learn how to tighten the leash.”

“Maybe I should!” I snapped, the words sharper than I intended. The pressure of everything was getting to me.

Suddenly, Lilly’s arm brushed lightly against mine, sen