Page 189 of Bound By Crimson
A pointless gesture—they never waited for permission.
Lyric stood slowly, her body sore from too many nights on the same mattress, her back aching under the weight she carried. She braced herself, staring at the door, heart climbing toward her throat.
The handle slowly turned.
And there she was.
Editha Thornwick.
Framed by the doorway like a queen entering her throne room. Her arms were folded across her chest. Her hair was immaculately pinned. Her expression was casual—like she was simply stopping in for tea.
Lyric’s eyes flicked toward the doorway—just over Editha’s shoulder.
And like always, Charles stood there looming.
“Well,” she said, looking around the room. “Cozy, isn’t it?”
Lyric didn’t respond.
Editha’s gaze wandered the space, her lips twitching into a smirk. Then her eyes landed on the wall—the one with the misaligned wallpaper. Her smile deepened.
“Redecorating, I see,” she said lightly. “Bold choice. Upside-down roses. A little chaotic, but maybe that’s your style.”
Lyric’s stomach twisted.
She gritted her teeth. “You knew I was up there.”
Editha stepped further inside, ignoring the comment.
“I heard you made a mess in my study. Did you find what you were looking for?”
She tilted her head. “Did you enjoy playing detective?”
“Was it you?” Lyric spat. “Did you have them killed?”
Editha blinked, then smiled—too slowly. “You’ll have to be more specific, darling,” she said with a glint of amusement. “I’ve had a busy life.”
Lyric lunged toward her, rage crawling up her spine like wildfire—but the sudden, violent cramp in her abdomen stopped her mid-stride.
She gasped and doubled over, one hand bracing the bed, the other clutching her stomach.
Editha didn’t move to help. She didn’t even blink.
“You need to let me out,” Lyric hissed, teeth clenched.
Editha blinked slowly. “Let you out?”
She made a small sound in her throat—something between a laugh and a sigh.
“Oh, Lyric. That wouldn’t be safe.”
“For who?” Lyric snapped. “You? Him? Me?”
Editha’s smile faded just slightly. Just enough to show something colder underneath.
“For the baby,” she said.
Lyric’s chest seized. “I would never hurt him—”
