Lyra POV

My entire body ached as Lucian dragged me down the hallway, his grip relentless and his pace unyielding. Pain shot through my joints with every step, and I couldn’t keep the desperation out of my voice.

“Please, my legs aches,” I cried, struggling to keep up. “I can’t walk any further.”

Lucian didn’t slow down, didn’t even glance back. His face was a mask of anger, and he seemed immune to my pleas. As we continued down the hallway, Bethany came out from a nearby room, a broom in hand. She must have heard me crying, because she quickly abandoned her cleaning and rushed toward us.

“Mr. Dom,...