LYRA

Nobody spoke after that.

Not immediately.

Because Mira’s words settled into the room like smoke after a fire.

I think she’s the only reason the corruption hasn’t consumed him already.

The bond pulsed uneasily beneath my ribs.

Lucian stood rigid beside me, every instinct sharpened toward danger even though the fear in the room had shifted now.

Not fear of me.

Fear for us.

The corruption stirred faintly.

Interested.

Always listening.

Mira noticed the shift instantly.

Her silver eyes ...