The dense forest was eerily quiet as Lyra crept through the undergrowth, her breaths shallow and measured. Every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs set her on edge, her silver eyes darting around the moonlit shadows.
The night air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and earth, but it did little to calm her pounding heart. She was taking a risk—one she couldn’t afford to fail.
When she reached the clearing, her steps faltered. Standing in the center was Adrian.
His once-proud posture was slouched, his broad shoulders hunched as though weighed down by an invisible burden. His crimson eyes, usually so sharp and commanding, looked hollow and weary. His clothes were torn, bloodstains marring the fabric, and his face was gaunt, framed by disheveled hair that hung over his brow.
“Adrian,” Lyra whispered, her voice trembling.
At the sound of her voice, Adrian’s head snapped up, his body tensing. For a moment, his eyes blazed with their familiar intensity, but the fire quickly softened when he saw her.
“Lyra…” he said, his voice low and rough. He straightened slightly, though the effort seemed to cost him. “I shouldn’t be here.”
Lyra stepped closer, her heart aching at the sight of him. Despite everything, despite the betrayal and the pain, seeing him like this unsettled her. “Then why did you answer my call?” she asked softly.
Adrian exhaled shakily, his hand running through his hair in a gesture of frustration.
“Because I couldn’t stay away,” he admitted, his voice breaking slightly. “I needed to see you. To make sure you’re… safe.”
Lyra’s chest tightened. His words carried a vulnerability she hadn’t expected, and it cut through her anger and mistrust.
“Safe?” she repeated, her tone tinged with disbelief. “You’re the one putting us in danger, Adrian. You’re the reason we’re fighting this war.”
Adrian flinched, his crimson eyes darting away.
“You think I wanted this?” he said bitterly. “You think I chose to stand by his side?”
“Then why are you still there?” Lyra shot back, her voice rising. “If you’re not loyal to him, then why—”
“Because it’s the only way I can protect you!” Adrian’s voice cracked as he interrupted her, his eyes blazing. “You, Eryon, the baby—everyone. If I leave, if I stand against him, he’ll destroy everything.”