LYRA

Mira arrived at my door just after sunset, carrying a book under one arm and wearing a nervous smile.

"I brought the lineage records," she said, holding up the leather bound volume. "Figured we could practice etiquette and study at the same time."

I stepped aside to let her in. Elda and Maren had already left for the evening, leaving the room quiet and private. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting warm light across the stone walls.

"Thank you for coming," I said, surprised to find ...