（Lyra's POV）
The crisp morning air nipped at my skin as Lucian and I stood at the edge of the forest. My heart felt heavy, torn between the need to leave and the ache of what I was leaving behind. I could feel Asher's presence through our mental link, a maelstrom of pain, confusion, and resignation.
I turned to look back one last time. Asher stood there, his figure silhouetted against the rising sun. Even from this distance, I could see the slump of his shoulders, the defeat in his posture. Our eyes met, and a jolt of emotion surged through our bond.
"Lyra," his voice echoed in my mind, filled with a desperation that made my chest tighten. "Please... don't go."
I closed my eyes, fighting back tears. "I'm sorry, Asher," I whispered, both aloud and through our link. "I have to do this. For me."
