Lyra's POV
A young sentinel materialized at the threshold, his restless energy crackling through the air like electricity. His hands trembled slightly at his sides.
"Luna Lyra." He dipped his head in deference. "The elder council awaits your presence. The proceedings must resume."
I rose from my seat. "Very well."
My body moved on autopilot, each step calculated and measured. Brooks and Orion flanked me, their steady presence anchoring me to the moment.
The hallway stretched endlessly before us. Stone walls closed in from either side, their surface cold and unforgiving. The atmosphere grew heavier with each step forward.
A figure emerged from around the bend ahead.
The collision happened too quickly for either of us to react. My shoulder slammed into hers, the force reverberating through my frame.
"My apologies," I breathed the moment our gazes met.
