Lyra’s POV
Kael left without saying anything else, and the forest felt quieter the moment his scent faded. I sat there for a while, holding the dagger he gave me, and my hand shook a little because I didn’t understand him. He said the cruelest things, yet he did the kindest things, and none of it made sense.
I looked down at the bandages on my arms and ribs and touched them gently, knowing I didn’t do it myself. He had stayed with me through the night, and he had taken care of me even though he acted like he didn’t want me close. He called me weak, but he stayed. He called me disgusting, but he watched over me. I didn’t know if I should hate him or if I should be confused by the way he held me so carefully while calling me a burden.
I pushed the thoughts away and stood slowly, and the
