Chapter 19
Lyra
The beach stretched out before us, golden sand cool underfoot as the gentle waves lapped at the shore. The sky above was painted in hues of soft orange and pink, the sun setting in a glowing blaze. A light breeze carried the scent of salt and adventure, tousling my hair and filling the air with the sounds of laughter, children squealing, and the faint hum of distant music.
Roman and I strolled past small groups of people scattered along the beach—some lying on towels basking in the last rays of sunlight, others playing volleyball, and kids gleefully chasing after a bright red kite. The lively atmosphere seemed to hum with joy, but Roman looked like he didn’t belong. His polished demeanor stood out starkly against the laid-back energy of the beach, his casual clothes doin
