POV: Kairo
He shouldn't be touching her.
Not like this. Not this often. Not when every moment near her made him forget where the line was , or if it ever existed.
But her skin burned for him.
And his control?
It was slipping.
The courtyard was silent except for the rhythmic crash of flame against stone.
Lyra stood in the middle of the sparring ring, arms outstretched, fire dancing in a perfect arc around her. Her hair was wild, lips parted, eyes glowing like something otherworldly had stepped into her skin.
She was mastering it.
But it was killing him.
Focus, Kairo growled from the shadows.
She smirked. You focus.
He crossed the field in two steps, grabbing her wrist mid-cast. The flame flickered out, but her heartbeat thundered against his palm.
I told you to control it, not flirt with it, he muttered.
And I told you to stop pretending like you don't want to touch me.
His jaw clenched. Her scent, already maddening, flared around him.
This is a mistake.
Then why haven't you stopped?
Because every time I do, you look at me like I'm the one thing worth saving.
She stepped closer. And what if you are?
He was breathing too hard now.
She was too close.
And then—
Boom.
The ground beneath them shook. The estate alarm howled across the sky.
Kairo froze. That wasn't a test. That was—
An explosion?
He grabbed her hand and ran, his instincts roaring to protect her first, everything else second.
Smoke rose from the west wing — the archive tower.
Flames licked the stone walls.
Guards were already shifting, shouting commands.
What happened?! Kairo snapped at Vren, who was dragging an injured scout from the wreckage.
They got in. Emberbloods. Disguised as messengers. They set it and vanished.
Anyone dead?
Not yet. But the entire magical archive's gone. Everything we stored on Lyra's prophecy… destroyed.
Lyra's breath hitched beside him.
They're erasing you, Kairo whispered. One piece at a time.
She looked up at him, and for once, she didn't look afraid.
She looked furious.
Let them try.
Ravena appeared behind them, wiping soot from her cheek.
They're getting bolder. That means they're getting desperate.
Or smart, Lyra said.
No, Kairo cut in. They're underestimating what happens when she stops playing nice.
Lyra stared at the fire for a long moment.
Then let's stop waiting.
Kairo frowned. What are you saying?
She turned to him, flame in her voice now.
I want to take the fight to them.
Absolutely not.
Why?
Because you're still learning. And I can't protect you out there.
Then teach me faster.
Kairo was quiet for a long time.
Then nodded.
Tomorrow. At dawn.
She turned, walking away with flames still trailing her fingertips.
Ravena watched her go. You're falling for her.
Kairo didn't respond.
But his silence screamed yes.
Ravena's voice dropped low.
Then I hope you're ready to lose her.
Because loving power?
Always ends in ruin.