"Let her go, Lyra." Zephyr's voice carried the weight of steel. "Do that, and you all get to walk out of here alive."
Lyra's laugh pierced my ears as she pressed the gun harder against my temple. "Oh, how noble. The guard dog thinks he can make demands." Her finger traced the trigger. "Drop your weapon if you want to see your precious Thaliatake another breath."
I watched Zephyr's jaw clench. His eyes locked with mine for a moment before he slowly lowered his gun to the ground.
"There's a good boy." Lyra's breath tickled my ear. "Now kick it over."
The gun skidded across the concrete floor.
Zephyr's lips curved into an unexpected smile. "You know Thalia, I did tell you not to sneak away from me at the mall. Should've stayed close like I asked."
The gunshot cracked through the air. I
