Lyra woke before dawn, tangled in warmth that wasn't hers. Kairo's scent clung to her skin like something branded. She hadn't meant to fall asleep beside him but maybe she had. There had been no promises last night, no labels, just the raw, quiet ache of two people leaning into something dangerous because it was the only thing that felt real.
But reality didn't wait long to return.
A sharp knock echoed through the chambers. Kairo was already up, pulling a shirt over his shoulders, expression darkening.
Ren's voice cut through the door. Alpha. We found something. You need to come. Both of you.
Kairo looked at Lyra. Stay here.
No.
His jaw twitched, but he nodded. He knew better than to waste breath trying to shield her anymore.
They followed Ren through the silent halls and out into the cold gray morning. The wind bit sharper today, as if the forest itself was bracing for something. When they reached the east field, Lyra stopped breathing.
Blood.
It painted the snow in long streaks, dark red and still steaming. A body lay at the edge of the training circle one of the scouts. Younger. Barely shifted. His throat was torn open, eyes wide with terror that hadn't faded.
But it wasn't just the body that made her knees weaken.
Carved into the snow beside him was a message.
"The Fire Heir Must Burn."
Her stomach dropped. She didn't need to ask who it was meant for.
Ren's voice was low. No scent trail. No shift marks. Just the body. Just… that.
Kairo knelt beside the scout, hand curling into the earth. His silence said more than fury ever could.
Lyra looked away, bile rising in her throat. Her hands were shaking, but not from the cold.
They know who I am.
They've always known, Kairo said, voice hard. They were waiting for you to reveal yourself. Now they'll move fast.
She turned to him. What do they want?
Power. Control. Legacy. And they think spilling blood will scare you back into hiding.
Lyra's eyes met his.
It won't.
His jaw set with something fierce and unreadable. Good.
But later, when the field was cleared and the pack mourned in quiet tension, Lyra stood alone outside the war room. She stared at the snow long after it was red.
Vren appeared behind her like a shadow. She didn't speak at first, only watched the girl who was becoming the woman Seraphine feared.
They're trying to draw out the flame in you. To make you react. Rage is easier to weaponize than prophecy.
Lyra didn't move. Maybe I should let them.
No, Vren said. Because you're not ready to burn. Not yet.
She turned to face her. Then teach me. Show me how to use it.
Vren's eyes glittered.
Then you'll need more than me. You'll need to go where your mother once trained. You'll need the Flame Warden.
Who?
Her brother.
Lyra's breath caught.
I have an uncle?
Vren smiled. Not anymore. He renounced blood a long time ago. But if anyone can teach you what you really are, it's him.
Kairo stepped into the doorway, having heard everything. He didn't speak, but his expression made something cold settle into her stomach.
He didn't like this.
Didn't trust it.
Didn't want her near another man with answers.
But Lyra met his gaze anyway.
If this is the only way I learn to survive, you can't stop me.
He stared at her a long time before nodding once, jaw locked.
Then we do this on my terms.