Page 12 of Bound By Crimson
“Who’s it from?”
“I’m not at liberty to say.”
She hesitated, then accepted the envelope carefully. “Okay.”
“Have a good day, miss.”
Without another word, the man turned and left.
Lyric watched through the window as he returned to the car.
The engine purred softly. The vehicle pulled away, disappearing down the street.
She glanced down at the envelope in her hands.
It was heavier than it looked. Cool to the touch. The wax seal shimmered faintly in the afternoon light.
Realization settled in.
That’s two strangers in two days.
First, the man she’d collided with yesterday. Broad-shouldered, sharp-jawed, with dark golden eyes she hadn’t forgotten.
That man.
He had crossed her mind more than once since their brief encounter.
Not just because he was unfamiliar.
But because he had been… the kind of man whose eyes didn’t just look at you—they chose you. And she didn’t want to look away, but she forced herself.
And now this driver.
New faces stood out in a town like this. They weren’t supposed to just… appear.
She ran her thumb along the edge of the crimson wax seal, hesitated for a breath, and then cracked it open.
The handwriting was elegant, almost old-fashioned, the ink shimmering faintly in gold.
You are cordially invited to the Masquerade Ball at Gravemoor Castle.
Friday, April 14th.
Event begins promptly at 11:00 p.m.
Midnight attire required.
Mask mandatory.
Lyric stared at the date.
April 14th.
That’s my birthday.
This Friday.
Her pulse kicked up. “That’s only two days from now.”
