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 lik