when sky forgot my name

Chapter 07 –

POV: Lyra

I just couldn't stand in front of him.

Not because I couldn't reply—I could destroy him with a sentence. But Kieller Voss wasn't just annoying. He was something else. Something unsettling. Something I couldn't quite name.

So I walked away.

No—I glided. In full queen mode. Silent, composed, untouchable.

But why does he tease me like that? Like he owns some piece of me I never gave him?

Could he be one of the masked men who attacked me?

No… I've known him for ten years. He wouldn't.

But then again… everyone I've trusted has broken me eventually.

I was so deep in thought, I didn't even realize I'd reached the parking lot. My car stood waiting on the right side.

Just as I was about to unlock it, I noticed something tucked beneath the wiper—a red velvet envelope.

My heart paused.

I assumed it was some invitation. Maybe another gala or fake smile masquerade.

But when I opened it—

I froze.

"You survived the first time. You won't be lucky again."

No shock. No panic. Just cold acceptance.

Because I'm used to this now.

After an attack, this kind of message is the next move. Obvious. Predictable.

Still… I didn't know who was behind it.

I tore the envelope in half and tossed it away like trash. Slid into my car. Started the engine.

But I wasn't going home.

Not yet.

I needed air, not walls.

Freedom, not fear.

I drove onto the highway, the city lights blurring behind me.

I've survived so much already—poverty, loss, abandonment. I didn't crawl through all that just to be scared of living now.

I thought about my mother.

About how she died.

About how my father—that monster—abandoned me at fifteen.

About the nights I cried alone, starving, cold, invisible.

I promised myself I would never forget those days. Because those scars built me.

I pulled into a newly opened luxury restaurant.

I just wanted a moment to feel normal.

But fate wasn't done tormenting me yet.

Because as I opened the car door, I saw them.

Ella Vale.

And my father.

My heart stuttered. My hands shook.

They saw me, eyes widening.

But before they could speak, I turned. Walked away.

Fast. Cold. Shaking.

Back in my car, panic clawed at my chest.

"Why do the people I want to forget always appear in front of me?"

I drank water. Put on soft music.

Calmed myself.

Then—shopping.

The most therapeutic word known to women.

Thirty kilometers later, I reached Elara Luxe Mall.

As I stepped inside, the staff welcomed me like royalty.

"Good evening, ma'am."

"Isn't she the CEO of Vale Industries?"

"Would you like to see the latest collection?"

"Yes. Bring everything. If I like it, I'll buy it."

They brought out racks of luxury—handbags, dresses, shoes.

But as I scanned them, I realized—I already owned them all.

"I asked for the newest collection."

"Ma'am, these are the newest designs of this month."

"I don't like wasting time. I'm leaving."

As I turned, I heard a whisper.

"She's weird. I heard she doesn't even have a mother."

I stopped. Slowly turned around.

My jaw clenched.

She flinched.

"What did you just say?"

"I—I'm sorry, ma'am," she stammered. "I didn't mean it—"

"And who are you to comment on my life? Do you know what I've survived to be here?"

She lowered her eyes.

I didn't shout. Didn't rage.

I just picked up the dresses.

All of them.

I drove to Starlight Women's Shelter and donated them.

The smiles, the joy—

It calmed something inside me.

This is what keeps me human.

Back at Villa Vale

The sky was dark when I pulled into the driveway. I handed the keys to the guard and walked to the main door.

As soon as I stepped in—

I knew something was wrong.

Blood.

Splashed across the white marble tiles. Leading to the living room.

My heartbeat roared in my ears.

I pulled my gun from my purse. Stepped carefully.

The living room door was half-open.

Inside—

Mariya.

Lying on the floor. Bleeding. Barely conscious.

Three other staff members—gone. Lifeless.

Panic hit me like a truck.

I rushed to Mariya, dropping my gun, lifting her head into my lap.

"Mariya! No—please stay with me."

She coughed, barely speaking.

"Men… black masks… we tried…"

"Shh, don't talk. Help is coming—please stay."

"Ma'am… thank you… your kindness… your mother… would be proud…"

Tears spilled from my eyes.

"My promise… to protect you… it's complete now…"

"No! Mariya, don't go. Stay—please."

But then…

She went still.

The doctor came rushing in with the ambulance.

Checked her.

"No pulse. I'm sorry. She's gone."

My heart shattered.

I felt like I was losing family again.

I sank to the floor.

Empty. Broken.

A nurse offered me water. I sipped, dazed.

Then—

As I stood, I noticed something under the couch.

Another red velvet envelope.

I bent down. Picked it up.

Opened it.

But this time… the message wasn't written in ink.

It was written in blood.

"You ignored the first warning.

Now you've paid.

The next turn… is yours."

My blood ran cold.

I stared at the envelope.

But there was something else.

Inside was a small piece of folded black paper.

I pulled it out slowly.

One word.

"Echo."

And underneath it… a drawing.

Of my house.

With a red X marked on my bedroom window.

I stood frozen.

Because that window…

Was slightly open.

And someone…

Was watching me from the shadows.

[End of Chapter 07]