Lyra’s POV

The night air hung heavy with the scent of pine and damp earth as we gathered silently beneath the stars. The crackling fire cast long shadows over our faces, flickering in time with the rapid beat of my heart. I sat cross-legged beside Kael and Draven, trying to steady my nerves as Aunt Lucy prepared to share something she’d kept hidden for far too long.

I swallowed hard, glancing around at the others. We were all young — barely adults — but ...