The evening air felt crisp against Lyra's skin as she stepped away from the main crowd of the party. Her nerves still tingled from the confrontation with Atticus and Sebastian. Percival's hand remained steady on the small of her back, a constant reminder that she wasn't facing these battles alone anymore.
"Mrs. Covington?"
Lyra turned to find an elderly couple approaching. The woman's silver hair was styled in an elegant updo, while the man stood tall despite his apparent years, his eyes warm and inviting.
"Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher," Percival greeted them with surprising warmth in his voice. "I'm glad you could make it tonight."
Mrs. Gallagher smiled kindly at Lyra. "We've been hoping to meet you, my dear. I'm Alice Gallagher, and this is my husband, Harold."
"It's lovely to meet you," Lyra said, surprised by the genuine affection in the woman's eyes.
Harold Gallagher nodded. "We've heard much about you from Old Mrs. Covington. She speaks very highly of you."
