Sevastian noticed the subtle change in Lyra's expression, but he couldn't quite place what caused it. His gaze fell on the slender curve of her neck as it moved, unable to tear his attention away. "Did I say something wrong?" he asked, his voice quiet, unsure.
"Nothing, Sevastian. Absolutely nothing," Lyra replied, her tone flat, though her frown deepened. She began to turn away, clearly ready to leave, but before she could take another step, a hand suddenly gripped her arm, freezing her in place. The unexpected action caught both of them off guard.
Immediately, Sevastian recoiled, his fingers quickly slipping into his trouser pockets as if to avoid doing anything else foolish. "Forgive me," he muttered, his voice tinged with regret. "I shouldn't have done that."