Mira’s POV

I sat alone, clutching my burning mark. The bond trembled like a broken string. I tried to silence Karl’s memory. I failed every time he surfaced again. His voice haunted my sleepless hours. He had lied, and I left.

He begged, and I turned away. A sound made me spin around. Lia stood there, calm and whole. I blinked twice to be sure.

She smiled like nothing had happened. "You always run when you're afraid." I rose slowly, confused and defensive. "You’re dead," I said, almost ...