The rooftop wind howled as Kael faced Erevan.
Lyra floated behind him, suspended in a sphere of white-gold light.
Her hair drifted like she was underwater.
Her eyes were closed, but her presence was overwhelming—
an ancient pressure that bent the air around her.
"Release her," Kael growled.
Erevan sighed softly.
"You still think you're protecting her. You don't understand, Kael.
She does not belong to you."
Kael took a step forward.
"You're using her as a tool."
"And you're using her as a shield." Erevan tilted his head. "At least I'm honest."
Before Kael could reply, Lyra's sphere pulsed.
A shockwave of mana rippled outward, shaking the entire rooftop.
Her fingers twitched.
Her lips parted.
And she whispered—
"…Kael?"
Time slowed.
Her eyes opened—glowing with spiraling runes of ancient light.
The system blared warnings.
[World Anchor Awakening: 32%]
[Stabilization Impossible]
[Timeline distortions accelerating]
Kael clenched his teeth.
If Lyra awakened fully, she would regain memories of countless timelines—
memories not meant for any mind.
Erevan extended a hand to her gently.
"Lyra. Come. You belong with me."
Her body trembled.
"No…" she whispered. "I… belong… nowhere."
Another shockwave burst, cracking the rooftop.
Kael stepped forward, reaching out.
"Lyra. Look at me. I'm here. Stay with me."
Her eyes flickered between them.
Her voice broke.
"I don't… know who I am…"
Tears fell.
"…help me."
Erevan's calm expression finally faltered.
Kael saw his chance.
He grabbed Lyra's wrist—
and the world exploded.
Their minds collided with the true timeline.