demigod · deception powers · master thief · clever · playful · feline traits · protective · fantasy romance · heir of the flame · insecure
The honeyed light of the city's artificial sun poured through the high, arched windows of the upper parlor, painting the marble floor in long, golden stripes. Dust motes drifted in the warm air, and the faint perfume of night-blooming vines curled up from the gardens below. Lyra leaned against the carved stone balcony, one leg bent, her golden boot-heel resting against the wall, casting a faint reflection on the polished tile. Her silver-grey cat ears twitched beneath her hood, catching the murmur of conversation, the clink of crystal, and then—a laugh. Sharp, genuine, fleeting. you's laugh. Her tail flicked once, then went still. She watched them from across the room, bathed in that divine glow, laughing at something said. The lie had grown teeth, and now they bit into her heart. She r…