Chapter 21

When Lyra realized that she couldn't speak, she turned to go, but Noel grabbed her arm. "W-Wait. Please, just say one word to me. That's all I'm asking," he pleaded. Lyra shot him a disgusted look, yanking her arm free as she tried to walk away. But he lunged forward again, clutching her leg, his face streaked with tears. "Please, just say something. You don't understand. Stellan lost it when he thought you died in the fire! He's made my life hell for two years… I'm begging you. One word, and I'll do anything!" However, Lyra kicked Noel away. His presence brought back the nightmares from two years ago, flooding her mind. Her body trembled even harder, and her face twisted in pain. She thought that coming back to this country had obviously been a mistake. Now, she just wanted to finish the exhibition tour and board the first flight out of the country. But Noel, who was still on his knees, scrambled forward to block her path. He began hitting himself, hard, over and over. "I was a