POV: Kairo
I knew something was wrong the moment I stepped into the corridor outside the Council chamber.
Rhea was already waiting for me.
"They summoned her," she said flatly. "Behind your back."
I didn't respond. My fists clenched.
"Why didn't anyone stop them?" I asked.
Her jaw tightened. "You think they tell us anything anymore? They're afraid of her. They're afraid of you."
"She's not a threat."
"No," Rhea said. "But you're a liability. Because you'd burn this place down to protect her."
She wasn't wrong.
By the time I reached the chamber, Lyra was already gone. The room was quiet, too quiet, like the shadows themselves were holding their breath.
I found the Elder still there — the same one who'd warned me once, years ago, about bonds stronger than blood.
"What did you tell her?" I asked, my voice sharp.
He didn't flinch. "The truth."
"She wasn't ready."
"She was born ready. You're the one who refuses to see it."
"I see more than you think."
He rose, stepping down the stairs toward me. "Do you know the name she carries now?"
My body went still. "Lyra."
The Elder smiled grimly. "No. That was a cage. A placeholder. Her true name is Emberlyn."
The word hit like fire in my lungs.
A name from prophecy. A bloodline sealed away. A history buried in flame.
"You've lied to us all," I said. "You've kept this from her, from me—"
"We protected you."
"By manipulating her?"
"By preventing you from dying," he snapped. "You're the Key, boy. The prophecy's end. You should be grateful your death hasn't already been written in fire."
I didn't move. Didn't breathe.
Because I felt it — the ground shifting beneath my feet.
Lyra knew now. Emberlyn. Fireborn. The prophecy. The bond.
And I wasn't there to protect her from it.
I turned and left without another word.
I found her at the top of the tower — standing at the window, hair whipping in the wind, eyes glowing softly like embers buried beneath ash.
She didn't turn when I entered.
"They told me," she said.
My throat tightened. "I know."
"They said the bond kills you when it completes."
Silence.
The worst kind.
"I didn't want to believe it," she added. "But then I saw your face."
That broke something in me.
"I didn't want to lie," I said. "I just didn't want to lose you."
"You already are," she whispered.
I crossed the room. Slowly. Carefully.
Her body trembled, but she didn't back away.
"I'm not afraid of fate," I said. "I'm afraid of you carrying it alone."
"Then don't make me," she said, voice raw. "Tell me the truth."
My chest ached. "I don't know what the truth is anymore. Just that I love you. Bond or not."
"And if loving me kills you?"
I smiled bitterly. "Then I die knowing I chose it."
Tears filled her eyes.
And then, slowly, she reached for my hand.
We didn't kiss.
We didn't touch lips or whisper promises.
But her fingers laced through mine.
And for the first time… we burned together.
Until the tower shook.
Hard.
A blast erupted somewhere below.
We both turned toward the door.
Then Rhea stormed in, face pale. "You need to come. Now."
"What happened?" I demanded.
"The Sanctuary," she said breathlessly. "It's been breached."
Lyra's eyes widened.
"But… how?" she whispered.
Rhea's voice dropped to a whisper.
"They weren't looking for you this time."
Pause.
"They were looking for him."