THIRD PERSON POV

Gasps erupted the moment her words left her lips. It hung in the air like a promise. Then, as if the air had suddenly been broken from a spell, shouts followed.

“Insolence!”

“She threatens the council!”

“She must be executed!”

Ryker didn’t move. His jaw clenched as he stared at Lyra’s ashen face while Lief and Ezren exchanged a glance—uncertainty flickering in their eyes.

After a long, suffocating silence, Ryker raised his hand.

“Lyra, this is a ...