~Lyra~
The storm showed no signs of letting up, wind howling like it meant to tear the world apart.
Amelia had long since passed out on the floor. The guards and drivers had curled along the far wall, slumped against crates and torn cushions, catching what sleep they could.
I lay on a faded lounge chair, wrapped in a blanket that barely held in the chill.
Then—Bang.
I startled upright just in time to meet Kai’s eyes. He was crouched beside me, hair damp, eyes soft with concern. “Can't sleep?”
I nodded once. “Mm.”
“You’ll wear yourself out staying up like this.”
“I’ll manage,” I murmured.
He studied me for a beat, then asked, “Earlier, you said you’d help Kael choose. What did that mean?”
I looked away. “Nothing.”
Truth was, I’d sensed something off before I ever stepped out t
