Kaelen's POV
"It wasn't me." Her voice trembled as she drew in an unsteady breath. "But the idea was mine."
I remained silent, waiting for her to continue.
"I couldn't..." Lyra exhaled deeply, lifting her gaze to meet mine. Guilt shadowed every feature of her face. "I'm sorry. I should have told you before acting. But..."
"But what?"
"I hid something from you, and at the time, it seemed like the only choice. The moral thing to do. Now I'm wondering if I was being shortsighted and if this will destroy everything you've worked toward."
Tension coiled in my chest.
"What did you do, Lyra?"
"Your mother and I poisoned Benedict together."
The confession tumbled out in a breathless rush, and I felt my voice spike before I could contain it.
"What?"
