Lyra's POV
The Grand Luna's declaration settled between us like smoke, thick and choking, refusing to clear the air.
"Since they've already shared that information with you," I said, surprised by how level my voice sounded when everything inside me felt fractured, "I suppose there's no point in pretending otherwise."
Before I could lose my nerve, I moved across the space separating us. Each step felt both weightless and leaden, my body caught between flight and surrender. She clutched the vial in her fingers, her grip loose but possessive, and when I extended my hand she released it without protest. No struggle, no resistance. Simply an acknowledgment that I needed it more than she did. The glass felt ice-cold against my heated palm, a sharp contrast that made me wince.
