Lyra's world had changed so quickly. With Kael gone, a deep sadness weighed heavily on her, and every corner of the house reminded her of him. The pack had been trying to support her, especially Mina, who brought comfort in her quiet, kind ways. But nothing seemed to fill the emptiness Kael's death had left behind.
One evening, as Lyra sat by the window, looking out at the fading light, she heard footsteps in the hallway. Turning, she saw Alaric, Kael's older brother, approaching with a thoughtful expression.
"May I come in?" Alaric asked, his voice unusually soft.
Lyra nodded, trying to hide her surprise. Alaric had been mostly silent since Kael's passing, only appearing when necessary. But today, there was something different about him, something more intense in his gaze.
He walked in, taking a seat across from her. For a few moments, he didn't speak, as if searching for the right words.
