Kaidën's words hung in the air like a promise. Lyra's mind raced with questions, but before she could ask any of them, Kaidën took her hand and led her deeper into the garden.
They walked along a winding path, the sound of the fountain growing fainter. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and Lyra felt like she was floating on a cloud.
Suddenly, Kaidën stopped and turned to face her. His silver eyes seemed to bore into her soul, as if searching for something.
"Lyra," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I have a secret to reveal to you. A secret that will change your life forever."
Lyra's heart raced with anticipation. She felt like she was standing at the edge of a precipice, about to take a leap of faith.
"I'm a vampire," Kaidën said, his words hanging in the air like a challenge. "I've lived for centuries, Lyra. And I've been searching for you for all of them."
Lyra felt like she had been punched in the gut. She couldn't breathe, couldn't think. All she could do was stare into Kaidën's eyes, searching for the truth.
"Why?" she asked finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kaidën's smile was enigmatic. "Because you're the only one who can save me, Lyra. The only one who can bring light into my darkness."