Chapter 93

“Damon,” Lyra whispered, her voice tender as she shifted closer beneath the sheets. “You’re awake.” He froze. The sound of her voice, once familiar, once comforting, now made his pulse thrum with unease. He looked away, staring at the dim light spilling through the curtains, searching for words that wouldn’t tear them both apart. “How could I…” The words escaped him under his breath, laced with disbelief and self-loathing. Lyra reached out, her fingers brushing his arm with hesitant warmth. “You don’t have to say anything. I know you still care,” she murmured, her smile trembling. Lyra stirred beneath the sheets and slowly crawled out, her bare skin brushing against the cool morning air. Without hesitation, she threw herself into Damon’s arms. “Damon,” she murmured softly, her voice trembling with shy delight, “you really do still love me, don’t you? Last night… you really…” Her cheeks flushed as she trailed off, the words too tender to finish. Then, in a voice that was both coquettish