The golden vines of the seed continued to pulse against my skin, sending rhythmic jolts of awareness through my nervous system, but all I could focus on was the echo of Ryker’s voice in the back of my mind.
“The Sun-Walker is primed. Initiate the second phase.”
I didn't turn around immediately. I couldn't. My heart, which had just begun to beat with a fragile hope, felt like it was being crushed by a giant, invisible hand. The predatory smirk he had flashed—a jagged, dark thing—was burned into my retinas.
"Lyra?" Darian’s voice came from behind me, sharp and concerned. "What’s wrong? Why did you stop?"
I slowly turned my head. Ryker was standing exactly where I had left him. He looked exhausted, his chest still bare and scarred from the battle, his eyes back to their shimmering white-v
