LYRA
The blood was everywhere. On my hands, splattered across the floor, staining the faces of people I loved but couldn't reach, no matter how fast I ran or how loud I screamed. The worst part was the sound of my own voice, a desperate, useless noise that kept echoing into nothingness. It was like watching a horror movie where I was always too late, the people kept falling, and my screams were swallowed by the chaos.
"Lyra."
My eyes snapped open. Orion was propped up on one elbow, his golden eyes sharp with concern. Zeviar's hand was already on my shoulder, a steady, grounding presence that felt like a lifeline.
"Hey," Orion said softly, his voice cutting through the lingering dread. "You're okay. We're here." I sat up, pressing my hands to my face, trying to shake off the remnants o
