Page 14 of Bound By Crimson

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The fabric clung to the bodice and fell like liquid down the sides, pooling into flowing skirts edged in dark lace.

The dress shimmered like it had been waiting in the shadows for this very moment.

“These are yours.” Velora smiled like the universe had just delivered them. “They’ve been waiting for you.”

Lyric ran her fingers along the bodice. The satin was soft beneath her touch.

The dress was stunning.

Sexy. Powerful.

Wearing it, she wouldn’t have to be Lyric Dawson—the girl whose parents died, who walked to the cemetery every night. The one everyone pitied.

She could be someone else.

“I don’t know, Velora,” she said quietly. “It would feel weird walking in by myself. I’d feel out of place.”

Velora rested a gentle hand on her shoulder. “No one will even know it’s you.”

Lyric traced the edge of the mask’s black lace, doubt and temptation twisting inside her.

She didn’t say yes. Not yet.

But the idea lingered.

For once, maybe—just maybe—she could be someone new.

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Friday Evening.

The sun had dipped below the hills. Closing time.

Lyric crossed the shop to flip the sign to CLOSED just as two figures passed the window.

Rowan and Eric.

They walked hand-in-hand, laughing, sharing a cup of ice cream.

The ice cream hit her harder than the hand-holding. That had been her and Eric’s thing. Their quiet ritual.

Velora noticed too. Her hands stilled where she was tidying up the jewelry case. She turned toward Lyric, her expression guarded, silently waiting to see if Lyric had seen them—and what her reaction would be.

Lyric froze.

For a moment, the ache rose in her chest like it always did.

But instead of swallowing her, it steeled her.

She straightened her shoulders.

“I’m going.”

Velora blinked, then smiled. “To the ball?”

Lyric nodded. “Yes. I’m going.”

Velora’s face brightened. “That a girl.”

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