DARIUS'S POV
(THE NEXT MORNING)
I found Lyra in the training hall, observing Nyx practice with Finn. The shadow-memory corruption was calmer today, more controlled.
"Your Majesty," I said. "May I speak with you? Privately?"
She looked surprised but nodded. "Of course. My office?"
We walked in silence. I'd rehearsed this a thousand times. But now, facing the moment, words felt impossible.
Her office was organized chaos—papers, blueprints, training schedules covering every surface. Evidence of everything she was building.
"What did you need to discuss?" she asked, sitting at her desk.
"You. Me. Us." I took a breath. "Lyra, I need to tell you something I should have said days ago."
"Darius—"
"Please. Let me finish before I lose courage." I moved closer. "I came here to ease the guilt about my sister. To give other marked wolves what she never had. But I'm staying because of you."
Her eyes widened. "What?"
