Page 32 of Bound By Crimson
Late one afternoon, the bells above the Velvet Cauldron’s door chimed.
Lyric looked up from the counter—and froze.
Rowan.
Her former best friend hesitated just inside the shop, fingers tightening around the strap of her purse. She looked smaller than Lyric remembered—shoulders hunched, eyes wide with uncertainty.
“I—” Rowan’s voice caught. She swallowed. “I won’t stay long. I just wanted to say something.”
Velora, seated at the reading nook with her ledger, glanced up but wisely stayed quiet.
Lyric’s pulse quickened. She couldn’t seem to find her voice, so she just nodded once.
Rowan stepped closer but kept her distance.
“I broke up with Eric,” she said, words tumbling out fast. “After the dance. After what he did. I should’ve done it ages ago. You were right about him.”
Lyric stayed silent.
“I know you probably don’t care. You don’t owe me anything. But I wanted you to hear it from me.” Rowan exhaled shakily. “And I’m leaving town. I applied to a cosmetology program in New York. I got accepted. I’m moving in July to get everything set up before classes start.”
Lyric blinked. “New York?”
“I need a fresh start. I want to stop being the person who hurts people. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I just…” Her breath hitched. “I miss my friend.”
Only then did Lyric notice the faint tear tracks on Rowan’s cheeks.
Rowan hesitated. “If you ever want to catch up before I go… maybe for coffee?”
Her voice was soft. Hopeful. “But if not, I understand.”
Lyric’s throat tightened. She managed a small nod. “Maybe.”
She wasn’t sure if she meant it. But she meant to think about it.
Rowan smiled faintly. “That’s all I needed.”
Before Lyric could say anything more, Rowan turned and walked out, the bells chiming softly behind her.
The door fell closed behind Rowan. For a moment there was silence.
Velora set down her ledger and stood, brushing invisible dust from her skirt.
“That was brave of her.”
Lyric frowned. “Brave? She destroyed our friendship.”
Velora nodded slowly, moving toward her. “Yes. She did. And you have every right to be angry. Betrayal cuts deep—especially when it’s someone you trusted.” She paused. “But I don’t know if you realize how much Rowan’s been carrying. I’ve known that girl since you were both in pigtails. Her parents nearly split last year. There were rumors of worse things… things that weighed heavy on her.”
Lyric looked down at the countertop, lips pressed tight. “That doesn’t excuse what she did.”
“No. But it might explain why.” Velora’s gaze softened. “When people feel alone, they cling to whoever offers them comfort. Even if that person is poison.”
Lyric shook her head. “I still feel like I don’t owe her anything.”
“You don’t.” Velora touched her hand.
“But I want you to think about something.” Velora said gently. “Men like Eric… they pit women against each other. They thrive on it.”
