Chapter 53. We’re All Family Here

Calista’s POV

Another day dawns, sunlight filtering through the thin curtains of the study room. I sit on the edge of my bed, yesterday’s events replaying like a broken record.

I glance at the mirror, seeing my reflection staring back at me with a furrowed brow and a frown etched deep. The mirror shows someone who should be carefree, yet my thoughts are tangled with what might come next. Slowly, I pull on my clothes, the fabric feeling heavy on my shoulders. The room around me is a mess of discarded outfits and open books and I get to touch the necklace that Cedric has given to me and turn to face the painting again.

I reach for the painting board, a smile tugging at my lips as I take it in my hands. Cedric is a talented man. But a twinge of worry creeps in as I think about Lysandra. How would she react if she saw this?

The thought makes my heart race. With a careful glance around the room, I pick up the painting board and walk to my cabinet. I gently