The carriage pulled up to their suite at dawn.
Holden watched from the window as it rolled in.
It was made of shiny black wood with gold trim, pulled by two expensive white horses. The Sterling family crest was painted right on the door in silver leaf.
A footman in white livery stepped down and knocked on the villa's front gate.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"House Sterling requests the presence of Holden Voss for a private meeting with the Duke and Duchess."
Lyra appeared in the hallway behind him. She'd heard the knock. Her face had already gone pale.
"Don't go," she said.
The words came out fast, losing her usual calm tone.
"My parents don't request private meetings. They issue summons. And when they summon someone, it's because they've already decided the outcome. Whatever they want to say to you, they've rehearsed it. There's no negotiation."
Holden turned from the window.
"Lyra."
