Lyra’s POV
I didn't realize I had fallen back asleep until I had woken up to the harsh sunlight in my face. I yawned loudly from exhaustion. My body ached from all the tossing and turning my body had indulged in.
In the midst of it all my mind raced to Rhyker, a sudden fear began to engulf me.
I told myself I'd try to avoid him. I couldn't have him see me like this. But as I reached the clearing, my gaze fell upon Rhyker. He stood with his back to me, holding something in his hand, his posture tense, as if caught in a moment of indecision. My heart began to beat faster and faster.
Did something bad happen?
Were we attacked?
He turned as I approached, his gaze warm but cautious, an unspoken weight in his expression.
“Lyra,” he said, his voice soft, yet carrying a gravity that set m
