Lyra didn’t wait.
Not this time.
The moment the realization settled—
Clear.
Undeniable.
She stood.
Her heart was steady now.
Not racing.
Not confused.
Just—
Certain.
For the first time since everything started.
She knew what she wanted.
And more importantly—
She knew what she was willing to risk for it.
The path back felt different.
Shorter.
Like every step was pulling her toward something she had been avoiding for too long.
No more stopping.
No more thinking.
Just moving.
When she reached the main grounds, she didn’t hesitate.
Didn’t slow down.
Her gaze scanned quickly—
Until she saw him.
Kael.
Standing near the training area, speaking briefly with someone before turning slightly—
As if he felt her presence before she even called his name.
“Kael.”
He looked at
