Some truths don’t set you free, they bind you tighter.

—-

Lily’s POV

“Found you, Princess.”

The low, sharp, voice filled with menace sliced through the broken door like a blade. I flinched, gasping.

“I told you I’d come for you.”

He stepped forward, his eyes dark and unrecognizable. My heart stalled.

I leaned slightly past Alex to see him clearly, already regretting it.

“Father…” I whispered.

“Don’t call me that.” His voice cracked through the air. “You lost that right.”

He looked disheveled. His white shirt clung to his body, untucked and wrinkled, as though he’d been running or chasing. His tie hung limply around his neck, and his...