Page 113 of Bound By Crimson
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They ate together in one of the smaller dining rooms tucked near the kitchen, where the windows overlooked the east gardens.
The conversation stayed light—a little too light, like both of them were trying not to say what was sitting just beneath the surface.
When he stood to leave, she walked him to the front entrance.
Kai leaned down, brushing her lips with a kiss that lingered longer than usual.
“I’ll be back before you know it.”
She smiled, but the corners of it trembled.
“Be safe.”
And then he was gone.
The heavy door clicked shut behind him, leaving a hollow silence that filled the hall.
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Time passed slowly after that.
Lyric wandered the manor’s endless halls, her hand trailing along the carved wood paneling, the worn tapestries, the windows smeared faintly with mist.
Without Kai, the house felt too large. Too still.
Like it might swallow her whole if she stood still long enough.
She was just about to return to her room when a maid approached—the younger one. Lyric knew them now, but not their names. This one was always quiet. Always gentle.
“Mrs. Thornwick would like to have tea with you in the sunroom,” the girl said, eyes flicking up briefly before dropping again.
Lyric hesitated.
She didn’t want to go. The idea of sitting across from that woman—alone—made her stomach tighten. But saying no didn’t feel like an option.
She needed to be polite.
She needed to keep the peace.
Still, she tried to soften the moment with a smile.
“I see you around a lot. What’s your name?”
The girl blinked, startled by the question. Then she said softly, “Tessa.”
“Tessa,” Lyric repeated. “That’s pretty.”
The girl flushed slightly, nodding once. “This way please.”
“Lead the way.”
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The sunroom was bright but cold, like a memory of warmth that never reached the skin.
The white porcelain teacups were set perfectly on lace, and Mrs. Thornwick sat already waiting, her posture flawless, her hands folded like a woman preparing for battle—only elegantly.
