Lyra’s heart was racing so fast it felt like it might break out of her chest.
“That depends on you.”
Daniel’s words echoed in her head.
Over and over.
She knew what he meant.
He was giving her one last chance.
Not to explain.
Not to delay.
But to choose.
Right now.
Her fingers curled slightly at her sides, her breath uneven as she looked at him—really looked at him.
The man who had stayed.
Who had waited.
Who had never forced her—
But also never stopped caring.
And now—
He was about to walk away.
For real.
“Daniel…” she started.
But the words didn’t come.
Because choosing meant saying it.
Out loud.
Clear.
Final.
And suddenly—
It felt impossible.
Her mind raced.
Kael.
Daniel.
What she felt.
What she feared.
What she might lose—
On either side.
“Lyra.”
His v
