_Mira’s POV_
The next evening came too quickly. As the sun sank beneath the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, my heart thudded in my chest. It was time for the second part of the ritual. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for it, but I knew there was no turning back now.
Killian came to my room just as I had finished putting on my clothes. He leaned against the doorway, his black eyes watching me carefully.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
I nodded, though my hands trembled slightly as I pushed my plate away. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“You don’t have to do this alone, you know,” he said softly, walking toward me. “I’m here.”
His words helped ease the tightness in my chest. “I know. And I’m grateful.”
We left without saying much to my dad or the others. I didn’t want to r
