His voice cut across her words, colder than she had ever heard it.
She stood there, stunned.
"…Lucas, dear…"
He rose and walked to the window, turning his back to her. "Go back," he said quietly. "I wish to be alone."
Nareen remained where she stood. For the first time in her life, she felt afraid of him.
She had never seen him thus.
In her heart, Lucas had always been gentle—kind-tempered, ever smiling. When she fell as a child, he had lifted her up. When others bullied her, he had stood at her side. When her mother was occupied, it was he who kept her company.
And now... he seemed like a stranger.
"Lucas…" Her voice trembled slightly. "Did I do something wrong?"
He did not turn. "No. You should go."
Nareen stood still, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.
She bit her lip, struggling to hold them back. "…Then I… I will come again tomorrow."
She turned and hurried out.
***
Several days later, Rhaegar brought Caelith once more to Firefly Lane.
