LYRA'S POV
Azerath continued, his tone heavy like a prophecy.
"They will hunt her. They will seek to destroy her. They will try to claimed her. They will attempt to use her, knowing she carries two forbidden blood. And if they discover the truth of who she is, that my essence and core is in her, they will spill oceans of blood to destroy or contain her."
My knees almost buckled.
Adrian held me tighter.
But then Azerath lifted a hand toward me, gentle, almost reverent.
"You are not alone in this, Lyra. My blood will shield you. My power will answer you. My legacy will strengthen you. And when the time comes, you will rise."
His shadows began to dissolve, drifting like black mist into the air.
"But for now," he added, his voice fading like a final echo, "prepare your soul. The world you have known is ending."
And just as he vanished completely, the seal on my chest glowed again, brighter than before, pulsing with a heartbeat that did not belong to me.
I gasped.
