POV: Lyra
They wouldn't meet her eyes.
Not Ren.
Not Vren.
Not the young warriors who used to nod at her in passing.
Since the fire, the silence around the estate had grown louder. Tighter. Like everyone was waiting for her to explode again.
Like she was no longer a girl — just a fuse.
She didn't blame them.
Not really.
She hadn't meant to lose control. But whatever Ravena said — whatever she unlocked — it had stirred something ancient inside her. Something not entirely human. Not entirely sane.
Her skin still felt scorched from the inside. Her dreams now glowed in embers. She heard whispers in a language she didn't recognize every time she touched fire.
And Kairo?
He'd held her like she was the only thing that mattered that night.
But by morning, he was gone.
---
Lyra sat on the windowsill of the tower, watching the moon. Her fingers flicked with little sparks she tried — and failed — to stop. The fire didn't listen anymore. It used to wait for her. Now it called to her.
I'm becoming something else, she whispered to the dark.
And I don't know if it's me.
Footsteps echoed down the hall.
She expected Kairo.
It wasn't him.
It was Ravena.
Of course.
Her voice was smooth as ever. You still don't know what you're capable of. That's dangerous, little flame.
Lyra didn't turn. You'd like that, wouldn't you?
I'd like for you to stop pretending the pack loves you. They fear what they don't control.
And you do?
No. I respect what I can't control. That's the difference.
Lyra's eyes flicked toward her.
You want to use me. Why?
Because when the Emberbloods rise, you'll be the only one who can stop them. Or join them. Either way, I want to be standing next to the girl who decides.
Lyra stood up slowly. And what if I decide I want to destroy everything?
Then I'll pour the oil, Ravena smiled, and watch the world burn with you.
The words shook Lyra more than she'd admit.
But before she could respond, Kairo appeared in the doorway — wild-eyed, furious, blood on his collar.
What happened? Lyra stepped toward him.
Kairo looked at Ravena. Out. Now.
She smirked, brushed past him, and vanished into shadow.
Kairo closed the door behind her and turned to Lyra.
We've been betrayed.
What?
One of ours. Ren. He gave the Emberbloods your blood scent.
Lyra's chest went cold.
No.
They know you're here. They know you're unstable. And they're not going to wait for you to grow stronger.
She stumbled back, breathing hard.
Ren?
He believed you'd destroy the pack, Kairo said quietly. He thought handing you over might buy peace.
Lyra shook her head. That's not peace. That's fear.
Kairo stepped closer, brushing ash from her hair.
Then prove him wrong.
How?
By surviving. By mastering this.
She looked up at him, eyes burning.
Then teach me. Not the Warden. Not Ravena. You.
He hesitated.
Please, Kairo. I trust you.
He cupped her cheek, thumb brushing over her skin.
Then I'll show you what you are. But you need to be ready — not just to fight.
But to become someone even I might not recognize.
And if I lose myself?
He leaned in, his forehead against hers.
Then I'll lose myself with you.