The camp was shrouded in a tense quiet as the warriors returned, their bodies battered and their spirits worn. Fires flickered low in the night, casting shadows across the weary faces of those tending to their wounds.
The air was heavy with the scent of blood and smoke, and the occasional groan of pain broke the stillness.
Lyra sat near one of the fires, her hand pressed to her side where a shallow cut bled sluggishly. Her silver eyes stared into the flames, her mind replaying the battle over and over.
The weight of Eryon’s injuries, the King’s power, and her own reckless actions pressed heavily on her chest.
Cassian approached her, his expression dark and unreadable. He crouched beside her, his golden eyes sharp as they scanned her for injuries.
“You shouldn’t have interfered,” he said, his voice harsh and cutting. “You could have been killed.”
Lyra looked up at him, her exhaustion evident in the slump of her shoulders.
“I wasn’t going to let him kill Eryon,” she said, her voice quiet but defiant.
Cassian’s jaw tightened, his frustration barely contained. “Do you think that would’ve made a difference?” he growled.
“You’re going to be carrying my child, Lyra. You can’t keep risking yourself like this.”
Lyra stiffened, her eyes narrowing as she met his gaze.
“I’ve fought every step of the way to survive,” she snapped, her voice rising. “I won’t stop now just because you think I should stay out of harm’s way.”
Cassian stood, his imposing frame casting a shadow over her. His tone turned cold, his words deliberate.
“If I have to force you to stop, I will.”
Lyra’s chest heaved with anger, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. She opened her mouth to respond, but the words caught in her throat.
She pushed herself to her feet, her silver eyes flashing with defiance as she glared at him.
“Don’t,” she said sharply, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion.
Cassian’s eyes softened briefly, but his frustration didn’t waver. He reached out as if to stop her, but Lyra stepped back, her jaw set.
Without another word, she turned and stormed into the night, her footsteps crunching against the ground as she disappeared into the shadows.
Cassian stood alone, his hands clenching at his sides as he stared after her. His heart ached with worry, but he couldn’t let go of his anger.