Zhao Lin had been watching too.She had a gift for reading people—enhanced intuition, body language, micro-expressions—and she'd been observing Lyra carefully at town events.
"There's more going on than romantic disappointment," she told her family over dinner one evening.Wren had been invited, and she came to family dinners regularly now."The woman is hiding something.Using something."
"Using what?"Mei-Lin asked.
"I'm not certain yet.But I've seen those signs before.Desperation.Addiction.The way she panics when her cosmetics aren't perfect."Lin's expression was thoughtful."I'm going to make some inquiries."
"Mother, you're not a detective," Jin said, though his tone was more resigned than disapproving.
"No, but I'm a woman who's lived in this town her entire life and knows how to ask the right questions."Lin sipped her tea."Someone knows what Lyra's hiding.I just need to find them."
Confrontation
––––––––
IT HAPPENED AT THEautumn market festival.It was a smaller celebration than the summer lantern festival, but still well-attended.
Wren was there with Jin, walking hand-in-hand, looking at stalls.They'd fallen into an easy rhythm over the past weeks, one that was comfortable and affectionate.
Lyra appeared near the fountain, looking radiant.Her skin glowed unnaturally, her beauty almost painful to look at.She walked straight up to them."Congratulations," she said, her voice too bright."I heard you're courting.How wonderful."
"Lyra," Jin said carefully."Are you alright?"
"Alright?I'm perfect.Can't you see?"She gestured at her face."I've never looked better."But her hands were shaking.And her eyes, behind the perfection of her makeup, looked wild.
"You should go home," Jin said quietly."Get some rest."
"Rest?While you parade around withher?"Lyra's voice rose."While Viktor chases after her like she's some kind of prize?While everyone acts like she's special?"
People were starting to stare.
"Lyra, lower your voice."
"No!"Wind whipped around her suddenly, unnatural and aggressive."I'm done being quiet.Done being ignored.Done watching everyone else get everything while I get nothing!"
"You need to calm down," Jin said, his Marshall voice coming out."You're using dangerous magic in a public space."
