Lyra’s POV The ballroom smelled of dust and disuse, and for some strange reason, it made my stomach churn. It was beautiful judging from the little the dust particles allowed me to see, but it still stood tall, like a palace frozen in time from years of neglect. It's walls were peeling, and from the corner of my eyes, I caught a few things that needed fixing, or worse, replacement. In fact, the more I stared at my surroundings, the more just one question came to the back of my mind. Had this ballroom ever been used at all? Somehow, I already knew the answer to that. I didn't know Xavier that well because honestly he wasn't an open book, but I liked to tell myself, that I knew enough for me to tell myself that he wwaant one to throw balls every now and then. In fact, I wouldn't put it past him to sit and watch servants or prisoners being tortured and call or fun. Focus, Lyra. I chided myself instantly, pushing the thoughts out of my mind. You need to focus.My heels clicked ag
Last Updated : 2025-08-20 Read more