Mira’s POV

Lyra stood at the edge of my bed. Kael and Cyrus watched her prepare. She spoke to neither of them. Her voice was steady. Her hands moved without hesitation. The others were afraid. She wasn’t. “I’ve studied the mark. I’ve seen its signature,” Lyra said. “Now I enter to confront it directly.” Kael asked, “What are you hoping to do?”

“Force a break in the channel. Not destroy it. Just enough for Mira to breathe again.” Cyrus crossed his arms. “You tried ...