Lyra didn’t think.
Not this time.
Her hand tightened against Kael’s shirt as she pulled him closer, closing the space between them before her mind could catch up.
For a second—
Neither of them moved.
Like the world had paused just long enough to make sure this was real.
Then Kael’s hand slid to her waist, firm but not forceful, grounding her there.
“Lyra…” he said, low.
But she shook her head slightly.
Not stopping him.
Stopping herself from overthinking.
And that was all it took.
Their lips met.
This time—
There was no hesitation.
No testing.
No uncertainty.
The kiss was immediate, deep, and certain, like something that had been building for too long to be held back anymore.
Lyra leaned into it without thinking, her fingers tightening against him as everything else faded
