~Lyra~
“Mom?”
She stood at the counter of Evergreen’s old pack house, setting down a tray of warm, fresh-baked cookies. Sunlight poured in through the windows, bathing her in a soft, golden glow.
I blinked, and when I looked down, I realized I was already seated at the table.
Across from me, father smiled, his voice gentle. “Lyra, how did you sleep last night?”
Before I could answer, the door creaked open and Lucan stepped in, adjusting his tie. He patted my head as he passed. “I’ll take you to school today.”
Then came a bump against my arm. I turned and found Ivy standing beside me, arms crossed, “Sis. Can you teach me piano after school?”
For a fleeting moment—everything felt whole.
And then— The pack house was gone, replaced by thick smoke and a sky engulfed in fire. The floor v
