A tear of mirth escaped Lyra’s eye. A snort. Then a real laugh, short and bright, shattered the library’s silence.
Finally, mercifully, Lady Vane stopped.
“You have a sharp tongue, little scholar,” Lady Vane purred, her voice like honey laced with frost. “You mocked my poetry at the salon. In front of everyone.” tickling submission
“Ah,” Lady Vane whispered, her smile widening. “There it is. The body’s truth.” A tear of mirth escaped Lyra’s eye
Lady Vane stopped in front of her, a slow smile spreading across her lips. It was a terrible smile—patient and knowing. “Then you understand why you’re here. Not for pain. Pain makes people stubborn. It builds walls.” short and bright