~Kael~
I looked down at Lyra. The last time she’d looked this shattered… was when Kaelis died. That same empty expression. Void of life. Utterly hopeless.
“I’ll have someone recreate the record player. Exactly as it was,” I said gently, coaxing her like she might break. Because she might.
“No matter how perfect the replica, it’ll never be the original.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, eyes dimming.
A low rumble rolled across the sky. I glanced up. Helicopters crested the mountain ridge, slicing through the mist.
Reinforcements. Finally. I checked my phone for time. Looks like we can still make the conference.
I tightened my arms around Lyra and lifted her, walking toward the waiting aircraft. “We’re leaving.”
She said nothing. Just rested her head against my shoulder.
Darius
