Unearned Familiarity

Kaelen’s voice cut clean through the air—low, smooth, but sharp enough to draw blood.

“Whatever Lyra once imagined, I’ll make reality look better.”

He stepped forward without hesitation, his presence shifting the entire energy in the room. With practiced ease, he slid his hand to the small of Lyra’s back, a possessive gesture that said she was already claimed.

“If she wants lavender and tulips,”