The underground bay of the Institute was sterile and cold, the fluorescent lights buzzing loud enough to drown out Lyra’s heartbeat—until the heavy thud of tires on concrete cut through. She gripped the patient chart in her hand so hard the paper creased, Mei’s hand warm on her elbow, Rhea bouncing Luna’s half-torn stuffed wolf behind her, and Livia, Aiden’s mother, standing quiet in the corner, her silk blouse rumpled from hours of waiting.The van’s brake hissed. The side door slid open.Aiden stepped out first.Blood soaked through the white bandage on his left side, his face pale as parchment, but his arms were locked around the small, shivering bundle of Luna. Her silver-flecked eyes, so like his, peered over his shoulder, wide and red-rimmed, her thumb stuck in her mouth.Lyra didn’t walk. She ran.“Mama!” Luna shoved off Aiden’s chest the second Lyra got close, little arms reaching. Lyra scooped her up, one hand cradling her head, the other moving on autopilot to check her puls
Last Updated : 2026-04-28 Read more