Lyra's POV
Since Caelum had offered to kill Helena before, I couldn't help but ask when I overheard that Helena died during the battle.
"No, I didn't." His eyes locked onto mine, radiating sincerity. "Turns out Bianca overestimated her influence on her mother. Helena refused to leave with her daughter and chose to stay."
I studied his face, searching for any hint of deception.
"Lyra, I won't lie to you. If I'd ordered someone to kill her, I'd tell you straight up. No need to hide it—it's not like it would change how you see me." His voice was casual as he caressed my cheek.
I'm sorry, I mouthed, guilt washing over me for doubting him.
His expression hardened. "Think I can just forgive you after that accusation?" He pressed his lips into a thin line, staring at me with an intensity that made my breath catch.
The sternness caught me off guard. He'd grown so gentle with me lately that I'd almost forgotten how ruthless he could be.
