Chapter 45

Summer's POV The lock clicked quietly. I jolted upright from where I'd been sitting against Alexander's desk, my heart thundering in my chest. Had he come back to reason with me again? I quickly wiped away any trace of tears from my face and squared my shoulders, ready for another confrontation. But when the door cracked open, it wasn't Alexander's imposing figure that slipped through—it was Lyra. "Lyra?" I whispered in disbelief. She pressed a finger to her lips and quickly closed the door behind her. "Shh. We don't have much time." As I studied her face, confusion tightened in my chest.Lyla and I were friends, yes—but Alexander was her brother. Their bond ran deeper. Why would she risk sneaking into his office like this, knowing it could infuriate him?"What are you doing here?" I asked, keeping my voice low. "If Alexander finds out—" "He won't," she cut me off, her eyes darting nervously to the door. "He's in an emergency meeting with Ethan and the gamma squad. Planning the search op