Lyra's POV
I never imagined I'd have the strength to watch this, but tradition demanded I keep my eyes open. Looking away would dishonor the ritual Caelum was enduring for me.
So I forced myself to stay strong and witness his branding ceremony.
Caelum had removed his shirt, baring his chest as he knelt before me. Julian stood behind him, gripping a glowing iron rod.
The gamma shot me a playful wink, trying to ease the tension, but nothing could calm the storm raging inside me. Every fiber of my being wanted to shove Julian aside and pull Caelum to his feet. This wasn't necessary.
But protesting now was pointless. I couldn't change his mind before the ceremony began, and I certainly couldn't stop him now.
"The moon goddess blesses this union..." Julian began the prayer before pressing the scorching metal to Caelum's shoulder.
I missed the rest of his words, my focus locked entirely on Caelum. I silently begged for this nightmare to end quickly.
