LYRA’S POV
The weight of the morning hit me before I even opened my eyes. My lips felt swollen, and my skin still felt like it was humming from where Killian had pressed me against that training bag. I had barely slept, and when I did, I dreamt of gold eyes and the smell of rain.
I pulled my binder tight, ignoring the ache in my ribs, and threw on my oversized hoodie. I had to be perfect today. No slips. No soft looks.
When I walked into the training courtyard, the atmosphere was like a coiled spring. The "Rowan and Killian are mates" gossip had turned into something else overnight. It wasn't just a scandal anymore; it was a spectacle.
Killian was already there.
He was standing in the center of the ring, shirtless despite the morning chill. The bandages on his shoulder were gone, leav
