Mira's POV
“Welcome back,” she purred again, stepping down from the village square like she owned the ground beneath her feet. Her movements were strangely beautiful, like mine…but sharper, more intentional, as if every step she took was part of a planned show.
“You’re not me,” I said, hands clenched. “You’re what I left behind.” She laughed, a sound like wind chimes twisted in a storm. “Oh Mira, I’m everything you’re afraid to become. Power without apology. Strength without restraint.”
I shook my head. “You’re chaos.”
“I’m freedom.” Her eyes glinted as she circled me. “And Cassian sees that now.”
My breath caught. “What have you done to him?”
She tilted her head. “Nothing he didn’t want. He came freely. That bond you cling to? It’s fraying. The longer he stays in this world, th
