Silent Revelations

I was having trouble breathing.

I was frozen in place when I saw my father standing at the doorway with a revolver trembling in his grip and blood on his hands.

"Dad?" I hardly made a sound with my voice.

Wild and desperate, his gaze flitted between Damian and me. Lyra, you must accompany me. Right now.

Before I could move, Damian moved ahead of me. "John, put down the gun."

"Stop talking!" My dad's voice broke. His whole body trembled as he tightened his hold on the firearm. You are to blame for this. Everything was damaged by you!

Damian stayed eerily composed. "I told you. There was never a chance to run.

"I had no other option!" My stomach turned as I heard my father's strained breath and the something in his eyes. Shame. Fear. I'm sorry.

"What did you do?" My speech sounded unsteady.

My father's eyes met mine as he swallowed hard. "Lyra, I was attempting to solve it. I promise.

However, two of Damian's men materialized behind him with their weapons drawn before I could inquire what it was. My father became aware of his numerical disadvantage. The trigger made his fingers twitch.

Like an unstoppable force, Damian remained motionless. "Avoid making things worse for yourself."

I briefly believed that my father might still pull the gun.

But then—he sagged his shoulders. He relaxed his hold. The rifle fell to the ground with a clatter.

Damian gave his soldiers a nod. Bring him to the lower level. I'm looking for answers.

Before they took him, my father gave me one last look. "Lyra—"

They pulled him away after that.

My thoughts were racing as I stood motionless. My dad was having problems. I was, however, since the man standing next to me both captivated and frightened me.

With my hands balled into fists, I turned to Damian. "You won't do him any harm."

His dark blue eyes were unfathomable as he gazed down at me. "That is contingent upon what he informs me."

Anger swept over me like a frigid wave. That's it, then? Are you going to force him to tell the truth?

"If I must." His jaw tightened, yet his voice was dispassionate. "Lyra, you still don't realize the kind of man your father is."

Trying to contain the rage that was building inside of me, I took a trembling breath. "And, Damian, what sort of man are you?"

Something illegible passed across his eyes as they fluttered. "The type that doesn't put on a good front."

I gave a headshake. Do you believe that having ruthlessness makes you strong? That being in charge of everything and dismantling others you strong?

His presence was overwhelming as he took a step closer. "I believe it sustains my life."

I was not going to give up. "Perhaps you are unaware of the distinction between living and surviving."

There was silence between us for a moment.

Then, as if he were sick of the game, Damian let out a sharp exhale. "Lyra, you want the truth?"

I took a swallow. "Yes."

His voice lowered as he leaned closer. "Your father lost money on more than simply terrible trades. From the wrong people, he stole. Those who are incapable of forgiving

My stomach turned over. "Who?"

His jaw muscle twitched. "My relatives."

I felt like I was slapped by the words. "You're telling lies."

"I don't tell lies." He spoke in a chilly tone. Years ago, your father embezzled money from the Wolfe empire. He made commitments he was unable to fulfill. And he pleaded for forgiveness after failing. He was given the option by my father to repay it or risk losing everything.

My mind whirled. "Everything did go to him."

Damian's eyes grew gloomy. "And you have now as well."

Something I didn't want to mention was heavy and thick in the air between us. Anger. FeaAttractionion.

I detested the fact that his lips were still touching and that my body still remembered how he kissed despite everything.

I had to leave.

I pivoted and rushed in the direction of the door.

"Where do you anticipate going?" His tone was low but piercing.

I continued. "Anywhere but here."

However, his fingers encircled my wrist and dragged me back before I could make it to the corridor. With a gasp, I spun toward him and slammed my chest against his.

"Give me a break," I muttered.

He didn't. Rather, he used his free hand to raise my chin, making me look into his eyes. "You believe you can simply leave?"

scowled howl. "Observe me."

I didn't feel any pain as his fingers grew tighter around my wrist. Enough to remind me that he still had the upper hand. He was in charge all the time.

Then he did something that caught me off guard.

He released me.

With my heart pounding, I staggered backward a step. "What—"

His face was unreadable. "Now, go."

I paused. "Are you serious?"

He gave one nod. "I won't stop you if you go out that door."

I wanted to go out. I had to get out.

But I was held in place by something.

Damian kept a careful eye on me, as though he knew the answer before I did.

I detested him.

I desired him.

And I feared the consequences of that.

I was about to turn back toward the door when there was a huge bang coming from the basement.

A shot.

Damian's eyes snapped toward the sound as his body became rigid.

My heart stopped beating.

"Your dad," I muttered.

Damian didn't wait any longer. Quickly, he grabbed my hand and dragged me along the corridor.

This time, I didn't fight him.

I was unable to.

Because whatever occurred downstairs—

It made everything different.