Lyra's POV
The forest seemed suspended in a fragile silence, broken only by Kaelan's ragged breaths and the low hum of the bond between us. My paws dug into the earth, leaving deep impressions as stormlight pulsed faintly along my silver fur, the remnants of my full rise still radiating heat and power. Every muscle in my body was taut, every nerve on fire. I could feel Kaelan trembling against me, the echo of the corruption leaving jagged traces in his veins.
"Lyra…" His voice was hoarse, a growl laced with both relief and lingering fear. "You shouldn't have…"
I pressed my forehead to his, our breaths mingling, the storm inside me still surging. "I couldn't leave you," I whispered. "Not now. Not ever. We face everything together."
