Mira’s POV

Kael stood frozen as Lyra lifted her blade. He didn’t raise his weapon or take a defensive step, and the guilt rolling off him made her eyes harden. My stomach dropped. He whispered her name as it hurt. She didn’t blink or acknowledge the bond tugging at both of them. She only angled the blade toward his heart.

“Fight me,” she said. Kael shook his head without apology, and something in Lyra snapped. Power cracked around her. “You owe me this.” Her voice wavered. But she ...