Page 109 of Bound By Crimson
She leaned her back against the cool stone, tilting her head up toward the sky.
For a moment, there was only the breeze in the hedges… the heavy perfume of roses…
And then—faintly—
Laughter.
Children’s laughter, so soft it could’ve been the wind.
She closed her eyes, listening harder, but it was gone as quickly as it came.
Maybe it had never been there at all.
Still, she smiled a little to herself and let her head rest back against the wall.
If there’s a door, maybe someday I’ll find it, she thought.
Her thoughts were broken up by the buzzing of her phone.
Two missed calls from Velora… six from Rowan.
She smiled and quickly called Velora.
It rang twice before she answered, her voice warm and steady.
“Hello, Little Star.”
Lyric grinned. “Hi. I just wanted to check in and let you know everything’s okay. It’s… beautiful here, Velora. You should see this place. You would absolutely love it.”
“I’m so glad to hear that,” Velora said gently. “Are you settling in all right?”
“I am,” Lyric said, keeping her voice upbeat. “It’s big, and a little overwhelming, but it’s really something. Like, it has this old charm, but it’s also elegant. I don’t know—it’s hard to describe.”
“You sound good,” Velora said. “I’m happy for you.”
Lyric smiled. “The couple who bought my place, did they settle in okay?”
“Oh yes. They have the sweetest little girl—reminds me a lot of you at that age. They’re such a lovely family.”
Lyric’s heart pulled for a second, but she pushed it down.
“I’m going to call Rowan now,” she said. “I don’t have great signal out here, so I want to catch her while I still can.”
“I’m so glad you two are talking again,” Velora said. “All right, love you. Keep in touch.”
“Love you too.”
The call ended. Lyric didn’t hesitate—she dialed Rowan right after.
Rowan picked up instantly.
“Oh my god,” she blurted. “I haven’t heard from you in days. How is it you didn’t tell me anything?”
Lyric laughed softly. “I’m sorry. The signal here is terrible. I had to walk to the back of the property to make this call.”
“So? What’s it like? Probably a dream come true!”
“It’s… a lot… it’s extravagant.” Lyric said. “Everything’s antique and grand. Chandeliers. Velvet. Secret hallways. All of it.”
