Kael's chest tightened as he stood frozen, watching the fear flicker in Lyra's eyes. His heart pounded against his ribcage, desperate to reach her, to make her understand that everything he had done—every lie, every mistake—had been for her. But Marcus's words had taken root, twisting her trust, making her question everything.
"Lyra," Kael said softly, his voice hoarse with emotion. He took a cautious step toward her, his hands open in a gesture of surrender. "Please… you have to know I'd never hurt you. Everything I've done was to protect you."
Lyra's breath hitched, her arms wrapping tightly around herself as though she was trying to shield herself from the truth—or perhaps, from the lies. Her eyes flicked between Kael and Marcus, confusion clouding her gaze.
"I don't know what to believe anymore," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Everything you've said… everything he's said… I don't know what's real."
