Lyra paced the confines of her tent, her mind racing as the events of the night replayed in her head. Eryon’s grief, the King’s terrifying power, and the fragile hope resting in the baby’s survival—it all weighed heavily on her. She knew they needed answers, needed a way to stay ahead of the King’s relentless pursuit. And there was only one person who might have the information they needed.
Adrian.
The thought of reaching out to him made her stomach churn. He had stood on the wrong side of the battlefield, fought for the King. And yet, she couldn’t shake the memory of his eyes—the anguish that flickered there, the way he had hesitated. If anyone could tell her the truth about the King’s plans, it was Adrian.
Her decision made, Lyra grabbed a small piece of parchment and began to write. The message was short, written in the old student code they had used during their academy days. It was risky, but she doubted anyone else would recognize the encrypted symbols. She finished quickly, her hands trembling as she folded the paper and tucked it into her belt.
Just as she turned to leave, the tent flap rustled, and Eryon stepped inside. His gaze immediately fixed on her, sharp and suspicious. “What are you doing?” he asked, his tone low but firm.
Lyra hesitated, her heart pounding. “I’m going to send a message,” she admitted, avoiding his gaze.
“To Adrian.” It wasn’t a question.
She met his eyes, her own filled with quiet defiance. “Yes.”
Eryon’s jaw tightened, and he took a step closer. “You’re meeting him, aren’t you?” he asked, his voice laced with accusation.
Lyra straightened her spine. “I have to,” she said, her tone resolute. “He might know something—something that can help us protect the baby.”
“And what if it’s a trap?” Eryon shot back, his voice rising. “You saw him, Lyra. He was fighting for them.”
“I know what I saw,” Lyra said, her voice steady despite the fear swirling in her chest. “But I also know Adrian. He’s not loyal to the King, not completely. If there’s even a chance he can help us, I have to take it.”
Eryon’s expression darkened, his frustration and worry plain. “You’re risking your life for a maybe, Lyra. For someone who’s already betrayed us.”
“For the baby,” she said firmly. “If there’s even a chance I can find out what the King plans to do, then it’s worth the risk.”
Eryon stared at her, his amber eyes blazing with emotion. Finally, he let out a sharp exhale and stepped back. “Fine,” he said, his voice rough. “But be careful. If this goes wrong…”
“It won’t,” Lyra interrupted, though she couldn’t ignore the knot of fear in her stomach. “I’ll be fine.”