Lyra barely had time to breathe.
The council hall had become a battlefield.
Elders were shouting orders while soldiers surrounded them from every direction.
“Take Lucien!”
“Kill the girl!”
“Don’t let either of them escape!”
Lyra’s heart pounded violently.
She looked at Lucien.
He was still standing, but barely.
The enchanted chains had been removed from his wrists, yet his body was already exhausted from everything he had endured.
Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
Lyra stepped closer to him.
“Can you fight?”
Lucien gave her a look.
“Do I look like I can fight?”
Despite everything, Lyra almost laughed.
“No.”
“Good. At least you’re honest.”
A group of soldiers charged toward them.
Lucien immediately moved in front of Lyra.
“Stay behind me.”
“You can barely sta
