I was waiting—pacing around the room—until Lyra fully returned from her memories. The silver glow on her forehead had faded, and her breathing was steady again. When she finally stirred and blinked back to herself, I rushed to her side.

“Blade!” she called out.

I ran to her, cupping her face and pulling her gently into me. I kissed her forehead with relief.

“Are you okay?”

She nodded silently.

I tucked back a strand of her hair, smoothing it with care. She looked a little pale, ...