"Master, no… don't go." Lyra's voice shook as she clutched Nolan's elbow, her weak fingers trembling. "He's too powerful. I fought him, and I could tell… he wasn't even using his full strength. It was like he was holding back. You may be stronger than me, yes—but please, don't."
Nolan gently placed his hand over hers, easing it back onto the bed. "Don't worry," he said calmly, though his eyes were sharp. "It's going to be okay. Now tell me—where did you fight him? How far is it?"
Lyra shook her head. "Master, no… it's far, very far from here. But even so—if I hadn't protected the area with my shield, if I hadn't contained our battle… half of humanity could have been wiped out."
"Alright," Nolan said, his voice firm. "Where is he now?"
"I used my last attack to bind him in one place," Lyra admitted. "I poured every last drop of my energy into it. But… it's weakening. He'll break free soon."
Nolan leaned closer, his tone edged with urgency. "How far?"
