The Reunion
The dawn light crept into the chamber as Lyra stirred again, her silver eyes fluttering open. Isla was at her side instantly, her hand firm but gentle on Lyra’s. “I’m here, Lyra,” she said softly. “You’re safe.”
Lyra blinked, her vision clearing as the events of the forest flooded back. The artifact’s destruction, Seraphine’s words, and Eryon’s anger all crashed into her like a tidal wave. She winced, her body still weak from the artifact’s overwhelming power. “Is it really over?” she whispered.
“For now,” Isla replied, her voice steady. “But Seraphine won’t stop. Not until she gets what she wants.”
Adrian entered the room, his crimson eyes meeting Lyra’s. He moved to the other side of her bed, his expression a mixture of relief and concern. “You scared us,” he said, his tone light but his voice thick with emotion.
Lyra managed a faint smile. “You’re still here.”
“Of course I’m still here,” Adrian said firmly. “I told you—I’m not going anywhere.”
Eryon appeared in the doorway, his towering frame tense. He hesitated before stepping inside, his amber eyes avoiding Lyra’s. “I wanted to… check on you,” he said, his voice rough.
Lyra’s heart clenched as she looked at her brother. The anger and betrayal she’d seen in him before were gone, replaced by guilt and uncertainty. “Eryon…” she began, but he cut her off.
“I let you down,” he said, his voice trembling. “I believed her. I thought she was… I thought she cared.”
Lyra reached for his hand, her strength returning just enough to grasp it. “She fooled both of us,” she said quietly. “But we’re here now. Together.”
Isla watched the exchange, her heart aching for her children. She placed a hand on Eryon’s shoulder, her voice firm. “You’re both stronger than she could ever understand. She used your love against you, but that’s what will defeat her in the end.”
Eryon nodded, his resolve hardening. “She won’t hurt us again.”
As the family shared a moment of unity, Misery leaned against the doorframe, her arms crossed. “Heartwarming,” she quipped, though her smirk was softer than usual. “But maybe we should focus on what’s next. Seraphine’s not going to sit back and let us regroup.”
Draven entered behind her, his amber eyes sharp. “She’s right. We need a plan.”
Lyra sat up slowly, her voice weak but determined. “We need to stop her—for good.”
