Lyra's POV
I didn't sleep all night.
How could I? My mother the woman who sold me as a baby is here. Working for the Council. Wearing their robes like she belongs.
She's been here the entire time I've lived in this tower. Twenty-three years. And she never once tried to see me.
Now I'm walking into the Divine Court, my hands shaking so badly I have to hide them in my sleeves.
The Court is packed. Every seat filled with gods and mortals, all here to watch me condemn a god to death. The air buzzes with tension and excitement, like people waiting for an execution.
Because that's exactly what this is.
I take my seat in the Judgment Box. Thousands of eyes lock onto me. Some curious. Some hostile. All waiting.
The doors open. Guards bring in Kairos.
He looks worse than yesterday. The chains glow brighter, draining more of his power. His skin is pale, his movements slower. But when he sees me, something shifts in his expression.
Relief? Hope?
Our eyes meet, and that strange pull happens again. Like recognition. Like coming home to a place I've never been.
Order! Domitius's voice cuts through the murmurs. This Court is now in session. Today, we will hear final evidence and render judgment on Kairos, God of Time, accused of murdering Fate.
He looks at me with cold eyes. Judge Lyra will confirm the truth of all testimony. Any lies will be exposed. Justice will be served.
My stomach twists. He's so confident. So certain I'll do what they want.
Theron stands, looking sharp and official. The evidence is overwhelming and clear, he announces to the Court. Kairos, God of Time, murdered Fate in cold blood. I will prove this beyond any doubt.
He waves his hand, and magical images appear in the air. The Void Between Worlds. Fate's broken body. Blood everywhere.
Multiple witnesses saw the accused at the crime scene, Theron continues. His energy signature covers the entire area. Fate's blood was found on his hands and clothes.
Gasps ripple through the crowd.
I call my first witness, Theron says. Celestia, Minor Goddess of Dawn.
A young goddess steps forward, trembling. She looks terrified.
Tell the Court what you saw, Theron instructs.
II saw Kairos entering the Void Between Worlds, she stammers. Three weeks ago. He looked angry. Determined. I tried to speak to him, but he ignored me and went inside.
And what happened next?
I heard shouting. Terrible shouting. Then... silence. Her voice breaks. When I looked inside, Fate was dead. And Kairos was standing over her body.
The crowd explodes in angry whispers.
I watch Celestia carefully, listening.
Soft music fills my ears. Like wind chimes tinkling in a breeze.
She's lying. Not about everything but about something important.
Theron calls more witnesses. A cosmic entity named Morpheus who claims he heard Kairos and Fate arguing violently. A soldier who found Kairos with blood on his hands, refusing to explain what happened.
Each witness adds another piece of damning evidence.
And each one creates music in my ears. Small lies woven into their testimony. Tiny details that don't quite match.
They're all lying. Not completely but enough.
Through it all, Kairos sits silently. Not defending himself. Not objecting. Just... accepting every accusation like he deserves it.
Why isn't he fighting back?
Finally, Domitius speaks. Kairos, you've heard the charges and the evidence. Multiple witnesses. Physical proof. Your own energy at the scene. How do you plead?
Kairos stands slowly. The chains rattle, glowing bright enough to hurt my eyes.
I did not kill Fate, he says clearly.
Silence. Pure, beautiful silence.
But I was there when she died, he continues. And yes, I tried to save her.
Tried to save her? Theron interrupts with a mocking laugh. Or tried to finish what you started?
Kairos ignores him, looking directly at the crowd. I loved Fate. She was my oldest friend. My anchor. Why would I destroy what I loved most in this universe?
His voice carries such pain, such raw grief, that even some of the gods look uncomfortable.
Love, Theron scoffs. The perfect excuse for murder. 'I loved her, so I couldn't possibly kill her.' But we all know love makes people do terrible things.
Not me, Kairos says quietly. Never to her.
Silence again. No music. Just truth.
Domitius pounds his gavel. Enough speeches. Judge Lyra He turns to me with a sharp smile. Does the accused speak truth or lies when he denies murdering Fate?
Every single person in the Court turns to stare at me.
My heart hammers so hard I can hear it in my ears.
This is it. The moment everything's been leading to.
If I say he's lying, Kairos dies. The Council wins. And I stay their weapon forever.
If I say he's telling the truth... I don't know what happens. But nothing good.
I open my mouth.
Nothing comes out.
Judge Lyra? Domitius prompts, his voice dangerous now. We're waiting.
I look at Kairos. He's watching me with those star-filled eyes, and I swear I can hear his voice in my head again.
Choose truth. No matter what it costs.
I... My voice cracks. I try again. I need
You need to do your job, Domitius interrupts coldly. Answer the question. Does he lie or speak truth?
The entire Court holds its breath.
I stand on shaking legs. I cannot answer that question.
Shocked gasps fill the room.
Domitius's face goes dark. Excuse me?
I cannot determine truth or lies without complete information, I say, forcing my voice steady. The witnesses are hiding something. Their testimony contains deception. I need more evidence before rendering judgment.
The Court erupts in chaos. Gods shouting. Mortals arguing. Domitius slamming his gavel over and over.
Theron looks at me like I've lost my mind.
But Kairos... Kairos smiles. Just barely. Like I've done exactly what he hoped I would.
SILENCE! Domitius roars. The room goes quiet instantly. He stares at me with pure rage. Judge Lyra, you are here to detect lies. Not to demand more evidence. Answer. Now.
No.
The word comes out stronger than I expected.
Domitius stands slowly. No?
The witnesses are lying, I say clearly. They're telling partial truths mixed with deception. Until I understand what they're hiding, I cannot judge Kairos fairly.
This is unacceptable! Domitius's mask of kindness shatters completely. You have one purpose. One job. And you WILL do it!
Or what? The words escape before I can stop them. You'll replace me?
Domitius goes very still. Dangerously still.
That's when the doors to the Court burst open.
A woman walks in. Council robes. Gray hair. Face I haven't seen in twenty-three years.
My mother.
She walks straight to Domitius and whispers in his ear.
He smiles. Slow and cruel.
How interesting, Domitius says, looking at me. It seems we have new evidence. Evidence that will change everything.
My mother turns to face me. Her eyes are cold. Empty.
Judge Lyra, Domitius announces, I'd like you to meet Mira Caine. Council Advisor. And the woman who created you.
My blood turns to ice.
Mira has documents proving you're not just cursed, Domitius continues, his smile growing. You're a weapon. Designed specifically to execute Kairos. And if you refuse your purpose...
He snaps his fingers.
Guards surround me. Not to protect. To trap.
Then you'll be executed alongside him.
The courtroom spins as I realize: I'm not the judge. I'm the next victim.