The air smelled of wet earth and smoke, thick and oppressive. Every sound seemed amplified, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the soft brush of wind through the trees, even my own heartbeat. I was alone, too far from the safety of the main courtyard, checking the perimeter for signs of Magnus’ spies, when a flicker of movement made me freeze. My body went rigid before my mind even registered the danger. Something shifted in the shadows, deliberate and silent, sliding through the darkness like it belonged there. My stomach tightened, cold fear blooming, and I spun on my heel, trying to trace the movement. Then I saw him. Magnus. His presence didn’t announce itself. It simply existed, heavy, all-consuming. My breath hitched, panic flaring. He was closer than I’d ever expected, and I had no idea how he had crossed the distance so fast. “Lyra Ashen,” he said, voice low, smooth, dangerous. “I’ve been waiting.” I swallowed, trying to ground myself. I could feel every instinct screaming at
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