Chapter 16: Failure and Fury
Lyraeus’ POV:
I stood at the window, lost in thought, my gaze fixed on Aria’s carefreeness by the lake. Her laughter and playful splashes with the water creatures momentarily lifted my spirits. But the tranquility was short-lived.
Ryker’s entrance was announced by the soft creak of the door, and I sensed a heaviness in his footsteps. My gaze remained on Aria, but my attention shifted to Ryker’s reflection in the windowpane. His usual composure was replaced by a somber expression, his eyes troubled.
“Lyraeus, I have some rather bad news regarding Aria’s case,” Ryker said, his voice low and measured.
I turned to face him, my eyes locking onto his. “What is it, Ryker?”
Ryker’s words hit me like a blow. “Words reaching me are that Elder Lyra, Aria’s mater
