Adrian and Lyra Cross Paths
The forest was alive with the sounds of battle as Eryon’s forces clashed with the werewolf pack loyal to Isla and Draven. The air was thick with the scent of blood and the sharp tang of magic, the trees trembling under the force of each attack. Amidst the chaos, Lyra found herself straying from her assigned mission, her instincts pulling her toward the heart of the forest.
The artifact pulsed erratically in her hands, its whispers urging her forward. “Finish it,” it said, the command sending a chill down her spine. Lyra’s steps faltered, her resolve crumbling under the weight of the artifact’s influence.
She didn’t notice Adrian until he stepped into her path, his crimson eyes burning with determination. His presence was both startling and grounding, cutting through the haze of the artifact’s power.
“You shouldn’t be here,” Lyra said, her voice cold but laced with an unspoken plea.
Adrian’s jaw tightened as he stepped closer, his movements cautious. “Neither should you,” he replied, his tone raw with emotion. “Lyra, you don’t have to do this. Whatever Seraphine’s told you, it’s a lie.”
Lyra’s grip on the artifact tightened, its glow brightening in response to her rising anger. “You don’t know anything about what we’re fighting for,” she snapped. “You don’t understand.”
“I understand more than you think,” Adrian said, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions in his eyes. “I understand that she’s using you, twisting you into something you’re not.”
The words hit Lyra like a physical blow, but the artifact’s whispers drowned out her doubts. “He’s lying,” it hissed. “He wants to take your power.”
Lyra raised the artifact, its energy sparking dangerously. “Stay out of my way, Adrian. Or I’ll destroy you.”
Adrian held his ground, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. “Then do it,” he said quietly. “If that’s what you really want, then stop hesitating and do it.”
The forest seemed to hold its breath as the tension between them reached its breaking point. Lyra’s heart pounded in her chest, her instincts warring with the artifact’s commands. Somewhere deep inside, she knew Adrian was right—but the artifact’s hold was too strong.
The artifact’s glow grew blinding, its power spiraling out of control. “Do it!” the whispers screamed, pushing Lyra to the edge.
But before she could strike, Adrian stepped forward, his voice breaking through the chaos. “Lyra, please,” he said, his tone desperate. “You’re stronger than this. Fight it.”
