Nyra signaled for silence as she moved toward the entrance. With careful precision, she peered through a small viewing slit before relaxing slightly. "It's one of ours."
She unbolted the door, and a figure stepped inside—a man clad in dark robes, his face hidden beneath a hood. He pulled it back to reveal striking silver eyes and deep scars running down his cheek.
"Lucan," Nyra said, her voice betraying a mix of relief and suspicion.
The man inclined his head. "I came as soon as I heard." His gaze flicked to Lira, assessing her. "So, this is the girl who carries the relic."
Lira bristled at the scrutiny. "And who are you?"
Lucan smirked. "Someone who has spent a lifetime keeping people like you from getting killed."
Kael frowned. "You mean betraying the Keepers to save your own skin?"
Lucan's expression darkened. "I did what was necessary to survive. And now I'm here to help."
Nyra hesitated before stepping aside. "He has knowledge we need."
Lira crossed her arms. "Knowledge about what?"
Lucan turned to her, his silver eyes gleaming. "About the blood pact that binds you to that relic. And how to break it before it breaks you."