The ward dissolution attempt on Lyra happened three nights after Val's conversation with her.

Ronan needed time to prepare the technique. None of us knew exactly what would happen when Ronan tried to break Cain's construct, and we couldn't afford to make a mistake.

We met in the herb garden at midnight. Val, me, Ronan, and Lyra, who sat in the center of Ronan's prepared ward circle.

The garden was quiet, with only the rustling leaves and the occasional distant howl breaking the silence. ...