Lyra tried to stay steady.
Tried to hold onto the clarity Daniel had forced her to face.
But it didn’t last.
Because the moment she stepped outside again—
She felt it.
Him.
Kael.
It wasn’t just instinct anymore.
It was awareness.
And somehow, that made it stronger.
“You’re avoiding me.”
His voice came from behind her.
Low.
Certain.
Lyra closed her eyes for a second before turning.
“I’m not,” she said.
Kael’s gaze met hers instantly, searching, sharp. “You are.”
Silence.
Because lying to him—
Never worked.
“I’ve just been thinking,” she admitted.
“That’s new,” he said, stepping closer.
Lyra frowned slightly. “I always think.”
“Not like this.”
He stopped just in front of her, his presence filling the space again.
Too close.
Too familiar.
And still—
Her heart react
