Ryan

I sprinted over to Lyra, my heart racing with worry. Without hesitation, I whipped off my t-shirt and covered her with it, shielding her from the roving eyes of the crowd. The sight of her exhausted, weakened body filled me with a fierce protectiveness. I cradled her in my arms, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine.

Lyra's lips moved, trying to form words, but only slurred sounds escaped. "Ryan...dark...magic...necklace..." she mumbled before her eyes fluttered ...