Magnus stormed in, the twins right behind him. His eyes went sharp and dangerous the moment he saw Elara on the floor, bleeding like a martyr.
His gaze snapped to me.
“How could you do this?” he growled. “She’s sick, Lyra. Have you lost every shred of decency?”
“I didn’t touch her,” I said, my voice steady.
Elara sobbed harder. “Magnus, don’t yell at her… it’s not her fault…”
The twins shoved forward, faces twisted with hate.
“How dare you hurt our new mommy!” Ian shouted.
Vale bared his teeth. “Haven’t we punished you enough? Why are you still here?”
Their words didn’t even sting anymore. They’d said worse. Done worse.
I didn’t look at any of them. I kept packing.
“I’m leaving,” I said coolly. “That’s what you all want, right?”
Magnus lunged before I could take another step. His hand clamped around my arm, iron-strong, and he dragged me out into the hall.
Then he shoved me into the cramped storage closet across from my room.
The door slammed.
“Stay in there until you learn your lesson!” he snarled.
“Magnus!” I screamed, slamming my fists against the door. “Let me out!”
The lock clicked.
And then his footsteps disappeared.
My breath caught in my throat.
He knew.