I looked at Lydia calmly, my expression unchanging. Then I activated Hades' Eyes.
A faint red glint flashed across my pupils.
The air in the room grew heavier. Lydia's body stiffened as my gaze locked onto hers. Her breathing hitched. The tray slipped from her fingers and clattered to the floor, but she didn't move to pick it up. Her eyes glazed over slightly, pupils dilating as the compulsion took root—slowly, gently, like warm chains wrapping around her mind and body.
"Come inside, Lydia," I said softly, voice low and commanding. "Close the door."
She hesitated for a long second, trembling, tears still sliding down her cheeks. Conflict raged across her face—loyalty, jealousy, shock, and the growing, irresistible pull of my eyes. Finally, with shaky steps, she stepped fully into the room and closed the door behind her, the lock clicking softly.
