POV: Lyra
She was beautiful.
Not in the way Lyra was ,quiet, fire-cracked, unsure of her own shadow. No, this woman moved like danger wore perfume and dripped secrets from her fingertips. Her raven-feather coat swayed as she walked closer to the fire, and the way Kairo tensed told Lyra everything before a word passed between them.
She knew him.
More than knew.
Lyra's mouth went dry.
The woman tilted her head, dark eyes flicking to Lyra like she was already measuring her worth.
You don't introduce me, Kairo?
His jaw flexed. What are you doing here?
She smiled sharp and slow.
This valley still owes me answers. And maybe... closure.
The air thickened. Lyra could feel the heat from the fire curling higher, like it was feeding off the tension.
The woman turned fully to face her.
You must be the heir, she said. Cute. Seraphine always said you'd burn the world one day. Didn't think it would start with you stealing my Alpha.
Lyra blinked.
Kairo snapped, She's not yours to insult.
But Ravena only raised a brow.
Didn't stop you from being mine once.
The words sliced something open inside Lyra not because she feared Kairo's past, but because of the way he didn't deny it.
He looked tired.
Like this woman wasn't just someone from before… she was someone who had the power to unravel him.
Lyra stepped forward, spine straight.
Are you here to fight? Or flirt?
Ravena smirked. I'm here because your power woke something old. Something I've been waiting to resurface for years. You think you're the only fire-blood worth watching?
I don't want to be watched, Lyra snapped. I want to understand what I am.
And you'll never learn that clinging to him, Ravena said, nodding toward Kairo. He'll shield you, slow you, and love you into weakness.
Lyra's breath caught.
Kairo moved to step between them, but Lyra held up her hand.
No. Let her speak.
You're not ready, Ravena continued, voice softer now. You think love will tame the chaos in you. It won't. It'll just make the explosion prettier when it happens.
Lyra didn't flinch.
I may not be ready. But I'm willing. And that's more than whatever bitterness you dragged into this forest.
Ravena's smile faded.
Careful, little fire. You're still a spark.
Then stay close, Lyra said quietly. You might get to see me burn.
Silence.
For a long moment, none of them moved.
Then the Warden's voice echoed from the shadows beyond the fire.
If you're done measuring wounds, we've got real threats to prepare for. The Emberbloods are moving again.
Ravena's eyes gleamed.
Then let me stay. You'll need me.
Kairo met her gaze coldly.
One lie, and I end it myself.
She laughed as she walked past him.
Wouldn't be the first time you tried.
Lyra didn't watch her go. She stood there, fists clenched at her sides, pulse like thunder in her ears. The flames behind her hissed and danced.
Kairo touched her arm.
I'm sorry. I should've told you.
You don't owe me explanations for who came before, she said without looking at him.
No. But I owe you honesty. Ravena once saved my life. Then tried to ruin it.
Lyra finally looked at him.
Then let's not give her a second chance.
He nodded. But there was something unspoken in his expression , a shadow of guilt or memory he hadn't shared yet.
And Lyra?
She didn't trust Ravena.
But worse than that?
She felt something inside her respond to her.
Not hatred.
Not jealousy.
Recognition.