NARRATOR

"Lyra, sweetheart! I just thought I’d give the family reunion some space," she said as she moved in for a hug anyway.

"But you’re already family… not just a friend, right?"

Lavinia nearly choked on her own smile, standing there like an idiot in front of Lyra and beside Laziel, who also looked secretly amused.

"I… well, I’m sorry for… you know… Ugh, whatever!" she suddenly burst out, tired of pretending like some teenage girl caught in the act.

"I slept with your weird brother and I liked it so much we’re mates! Happy now?"

Everyone froze at Lavinia’s outburst of truth, and Lyra had barely pushed her.

Out of nowhere, a deep, magnetic laugh echoed through the hall—one that only she had ever heard before.

"Holy shit… my brother can laugh? I’ve never even seen his teeth, not even when he was a baby!" Lyra was stunned.

Drakkar, beside her, was just relieved they really were siblings.

That guy laughing like that… was even more attractive. He better stay serious.

And Lavinia… well,