Lyra didn't hesitate this time.
She moved quickly through the hidden corridor behind the servants' quarters, her steps quiet, controlled. Her heart was beating fast—but not from fear.
From urgency.
From purpose.
The passage opened into a dim chamber.
And he was already there.
Marcus.
Leaning against the wall like he had been waiting all along.
"You took your time," he said calmly.
Lyra lowered her head slightly.
"I had to be careful."
Marcus pushed off the wall slowly.
"And?"
Lyra hesitated for only a second.
Then—
"She's changed."
That got his attention.
"How?"
Lyra lifted her gaze.
"Her eyes… they're not normal anymore. And the energy around her—everyone can feel it, even if they don't understand it."
Marcus' expression darkened slightly.
"…So it's true."
Lyra nodded.
"Yes."
Silence.
Then she added—
"Devon hasn't left her side."
Marcus gave a small, knowing smile.
"Of course he hasn't."
His gaze sharpened.
"And Tasha?"
Lyra's expression shifted.
