Lyra's POV
Alaric showed no hint of suspicion about whether anything intimate had occurred between Ash and me. His expression remained carefully neutral as he studied my face.
"Miss Cooper," his tone carried formal distance. "I was unaware of your presence here. My apologies for the intrusion."
The weight of his stare made words impossible. I could only meet his gaze in stunned silence until he shifted his attention to Ash.
"Mr. Ironwood," Alaric's voice held professional authority. "I understand you witnessed the events of last evening. Miss Starlight has informed me of your involvement."
Ash's response was a sharp nod, which Alaric mirrored with calculated precision. A heavy sigh escaped him before he continued.
"I must request your presence in my office for an official statement."
"After I escort Lyra to her room," Ash replied, gesturing toward where I remained huddled beneath his blankets.
