Dawn broke in the castle, the golden shadows of the moon still reflected on the walls.
Lyra woke with an emptiness… some memories had begun to fade.
Yet Seren was beside her, his hand still warm.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice gentle, but eyes cautious.
Lyra nodded, though her heart still raced.
Suddenly… Alena appeared in the great hall.
Her icy smile made Lyra feel as if her heart was being squeezed.
"Did you think the curse would save you alone?" she said.
Alena revealed a plan to divide the royal family, her words making it clear she did not trust Lyra.
Seren stepped forward to protect her, his breath steady.
"You will not harm her," he said firmly.
But Lyra realized she had to make decisions herself… she could not rely on anyone completely.
The blood-bound curse began to stir again.
Seren's eyes glowed gold as Lyra touched his hand once more.
A whisper echoed in her mind:
> "You must choose… memory or love?"
Lyra felt pain and warmth intertwined.
She had to decide immediately, for the enemies in the castle were moving, and centuries-old secrets were waiting to be unveiled.