Lyra's POV
Celeste's palm rested against my shoulder blade as we lingered beside the dress displays. The warmth of her touch anchored me to the present moment.
"You handled that well."
Part of me wanted to accept her reassurance. My pulse still thundered beneath my skin. My fingers trembled with residual adrenaline. Daphne had always possessed an uncanny ability to find my weakest spots, but today had crossed every line. Today I had finally struck back.
"I'm not certain I handled anything well. I struck her across the face."
"She earned every bit of it." Celeste's grip tightened on my shoulder. "But we're absolutely going to show her what real consequences look like."
The gleam in her eyes told me she had something brewing. That calculating look that meant trouble for someone else.
She guided me toward the checkout counter where an impeccably groomed woman stood waiting. The woman's smile radiated professional polish.
