The walk back from the ruins was silent. Not awkward — charged. Like every word unspoken had weight, and they were both carrying it. Lyra didn't speak, didn't ask why Kairo stayed close enough to feel her breath but far enough not to touch. She knew why. Because something had changed.
He had seen the carving.
He had seen the version of her that wasn't fragile, wasn't unsure, wasn't still clinging to the idea that she could be normal. He had seen the version that might one day eclipse even him.
And she had seen the fear in his eyes.
Not fear of her.
Fear of what she might become.
Kairo didn't speak until they reached the edge of the main path.
You weren't supposed to see that yet, he said, voice low.
You knew it existed?
He hesitated.
I knew Seraphine left traces. But I didn't think the ruins would still respond to you.
So you believed the stories, but not the power?
He looked at her then. Really looked.
I believed in you. Not the prophecy. Not the curse. Just you.
Lyra wanted to believe that. But something sharp and sad sat beneath his words. It was the way he looked at her now — like he was bracing for the moment she wouldn't need him anymore.
They returned to the estate in silence, and the moment she stepped inside, she felt the air shift.
Ren approached quickly.
We have a problem, he said.
What kind?
There was an attack at the east watch. One of the scouts is missing. And there was a symbol left behind in ash.
Ren handed Kairo a torn cloth with a seared symbol on it — two fangs inside a flame.
Kairo's jaw clenched. His hand crushed the cloth without realizing it.
It's them, he said. The Emberbloods.
Who are they? Lyra asked.
Kairo's eyes darkened.
The only other bloodline that shares your mark. But they burned out generations ago.
Lyra's pulse jumped.
Or maybe they were just waiting for me.
That night, she couldn't sleep. The carving haunted her. The symbol. The prophecy. And Kairo's voice echoing in her head.
Then I'll love you in the fire. Even if it consumes me.
She didn't know whether to cry or scream. So she did neither.
She slipped out of her room and followed the hall to Kairo's quarters.
She knocked once.
It opened instantly.
He didn't look surprised.
I knew you'd come, he said.
I couldn't stay in there. Everything feels like it's closing in.
He stepped aside and let her in. She moved past him and into the room, where the fireplace crackled softly and his scent wrapped around her like a second skin.
She turned to face him.
Do you think I'm dangerous?
He stepped closer.
Yes.
But not to me?
To everyone.
But especially to me.
She blinked.
He reached out, brushing his fingers over her cheek, then letting them fall.
Because I've never wanted someone the way I want you. And that kind of need... it changes a man. It makes him cruel. It makes him reckless. And that's what you are to me, Lyra.
Her voice was barely a whisper.
Your weakness?
He shook his head.
My undoing.
She closed the distance between them, resting her forehead against his chest. His heartbeat thundered beneath her skin.
Then let's undo each other together.
And when his lips found hers this time, it wasn't a kiss of comfort or protection.
It was surrender.