Kaelen's POV
I watched Lyra exit through the doorway and pull it closed behind her. The soft click of the latch seemed to echo in the sudden stillness that followed. For several heartbeats, nothing disturbed the quiet except the distant sound of her retreating footsteps echoing down the corridor.
I shifted my attention back to Percival.
He remained where he stood, wearing that insufferable expression of satisfaction. As if he possessed every advantage and was merely allowing me the time to acknowledge my defeat.
Genevieve had drifted closer to her father's side. The look she gave him wavered between bewilderment and genuine fear.
"Father," her voice came out barely above a whisper. "What exactly are you trying to accomplish here?"
Percival refused to acknowledge her presence. His focus remained locked on me with unsettling intensity.
