LYRA

The Hollowed hesitated.

Just for a second.

But when a creature like that finally showed fear, even briefly, you noticed it.

The bond between Lucian and me burned violently now, silver light spiraling around us in sharp pulses strong enough to crack the stone beneath our feet. The synchronized connection no longer felt unstable or wild.

It felt complete.

Alive in a way I still didn’t fully understand.

Lucian stood directly in front of me, chest heaving, gold eyes blazing unnaturally ...