chapter 158 The Date
Lyra's POV
But instead of pressing his lips to mine, Eric lifted my hand and placed a soft kiss on the back of it, the gesture both tender and restraining.
"I can't, Not while you wear her face. I look at you and I see Seraphina, and it makes it impossible for me to..."
Heat flooded my cheeks with embarrassment. I felt foolish for expecting the kiss, for wanting it so desperately. Of course he couldn't see past Seraphina's face. How could I blame him for that?
"I understand," I said quickly, desperate to move past the awkward moment. "Actually, speaking of strange things in this house, I had an odd experience earlier today."
"What kind of experience?"
"I got lost in the abandoned section of the estate. There was this desolate courtyard area with old buildings. One of your groundskeepers found me and warned me away, said it was forbidden. He told me the most peculiar story."
"What story?"
"He said there are legends about a vampire being imprisoned somewhere in those ruins. That your family keeps a vampire captive there. I thought he might be referring to Vera."
To my surprise, Eric laughed. The sound was warm and genuine, and his entire demeanor lightened.
"You're adorable," he said, shaking his head with amusement. "Who told you this vampire nonsense?"
"One of the elderly servants. He seemed quite convinced."
"There's no vampire imprisoned on this property, That area is abandoned for much more mundane reasons."
"Oh?"
"Those were my parents' quarters. When they died, I was so overcome with grief that I couldn't bear to maintain that section of the estate. For several years, I barely came home at all. The buildings fell into disrepair, and I've never gotten around to renovating them."
The explanation made perfect sense, and I felt foolish for entertaining supernatural theories.
"The strange sounds you heard were probably just wind through the broken windows and loose shutters," Eric continued. "Old buildings make all sorts of noises, especially when they've been neglected."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up painful memories about your parents."
"It's alright. It was a long time ago. But I appreciate your concern."
Just then, there was a soft knock at the door. Eric called for entry, and Kane appeared with a woman I didn't recognize.
"Sir," Kane said formally, "the specialist you requested has arrived."
The woman who entered behind Kane was unlike anyone I'd ever seen. She was perhaps sixty years old. Her clothes were simple but elegant, and she carried an ornate leather satchel that looked ancient.
"This is Madame Delacroix," Eric said, standing. "She's an expert in ancient languages and... specialized healing practices."
A witch, my wolf realized immediately. I can sense the magic on her.
Madame Delacroix smiled warmly at me. "You must be Lyra. Eric has told me about your unique situation."
"My situation?"
"Your facial transformation," she said matter-of-factly. "It's not natural, you know. Someone has used magic against you."
I felt my heart stop. "Magic?"
"Oh yes. Ancient witchcraft, specifically. A glamour spell designed to alter your appearance permanently." She set her satchel on the table and began removing various items. "The good news is that it can be reversed."
"How do you know this?" I asked, still struggling to process what she was saying.
"I can see the magical residue clinging to your aura," Madame Delacroix replied. "It's quite distinctive. Someone has been feeding you enchanted substances over a period of weeks, gradually shifting your features."
My mind immediately went to Mary and her daily tonics. The timing aligned perfectly with when my face had begun to change.
"It was Mary," I said quietly. "She's been bringing me tonics every day, insisting they were for my health."
Eric's expression darkened. "I should have realized. The symptoms you described, the gradual change... it all points to magical manipulation."
Madame Delacroix nodded. "A classic approach. Small doses over time to avoid detection, mixed into food or drink the victim consumes regularly."
"Can you fix it?" I asked desperately.
"Certainly. I'll need to prepare a cleansing wash for you to use daily. It will take several weeks of consistent application, but your true features will gradually return." She pulled out a notebook and began writing. "I'll also need to examine that ancient book you've been studying."
"The Codex?"
"Yes. Eric mentioned you've made significant progress researching it. I specialize in pre-medieval magical texts, and I may be able to help you unlock additional information about treating rare werewolf conditions."
The conversation continued for another hour, with Madame Delacroix explaining the cleansing process and taking detailed notes about my symptoms. When she finally prepared to leave, she handed me a small vial of shimmering liquid.
"Use three drops of this in a bowl of spring water each morning and evening. Wash your face thoroughly and let it air dry. You should begin to see changes within a week."
After she left with Kane, Eric returned carrying something wrapped in soft cloth.
"I have something else for you,"
He unwrapped the cloth to reveal a small framed portrait. When I saw what it depicted, tears immediately sprang to my eyes.
It was Elena. A beautiful, detailed painting that captured her sweet expression perfectly, from her bright eyes to her shy smile.
"Eric," I whispered. "How did you...?"
"I commissioned it from memory. I thought you might want to have her image with you while we're separated."
The kindness of the gesture overwhelmed me. In all the chaos and uncertainty, Eric had thought to give me this precious gift.
I looked at Eric, really looked at him. His thoughtfulness, his determination to help restore my face, his protection of both Kieran and me. The contrast with how Dorian had treated me was stark and painful.
Dorian had chosen to believe the worst of me, had tortured me, had refused to acknowledge my identity even when presented with evidence. He had broken my trust so thoroughly that I didn't know if it could ever be repaired.
But Eric... Eric had shown me nothing but kindness and respect. He had rescued me from certain death, provided for my needs, and now was helping me reclaim my identity.
"Eric, when we both have some free time, when Kieran is stable and your military duties allow... would you like to have dinner together? Just the two of us?"
Eric's face lit up with genuine joy. "Are you asking me on a date?"
"I suppose I am," I said, feeling my cheeks warm again.
"Then yes," Eric said, moving closer to me. "I would be honored. More than honored."
"I've wanted to court you properly since the moment I met you. I just never imagined you might feel the same way."
"I do feel the same way," I admitted. "You've shown me more kindness and consideration in these past weeks than... than I've received in years."
Eric lifted my hand again, pressing another soft kiss to my palm. "You deserve to be treasured, Lyra. You deserve someone who sees your worth and never lets you forget it."
The promise in his words sent warmth flooding through my chest.