The night came quietly, but Lyra's sleep was anything but peaceful.
In her dream, she stood in that cold, dark room she thought she'd forgotten. Her father towered over her, face twisted in rage.
"You're impure! A disgrace! You deserve less than nothing! Just like your mother—good for nothing, taking up space and food in our village!"
He raised his hand again and again, and no matter how much she screamed, no one came.
Lyra shot up in bed, breath shallow, drenched in sweat. Her hands trembled as she touched her cheek. The sting still lingered, as if her father's hand had reached through time to remind her she would never be free of his words.
She sat in silence for a moment, trying to remind herself: You're not here anymore.
Outside, she heard faint murmuring. Voices drifted in from the main castle.
"They say Lord Kyro has a terrible fever. Refusing medicine, even doctors."
Lyra's heart dropped. What? When did that happen?
She hurried outside, flagging down one of the passing knights.
"Where is he?" she asked.
The knight blinked. "His quarters, but... he may not let anyone in. He hasn't seen anyone since this morning."
"Take me anyway."
The knight hesitated, then gave a nod. "As you wish."
They arrived at Kyro's door. Lyra hesitated for a moment, heart hammering.
She knocked gently. "It's me, Master Kyro."
A pause.
Then, faintly, "Come in."
She stepped inside.
The room was dim, the only light coming from the fireplace. Kyro lay in bed, pale, sweat clinging to his forehead. His usual composed expression was gone—he looked vulnerable.
"You're burning up," she said softly, setting down the tray she'd brought. "You should've taken medicine."
"I'll live," he muttered with a weak smile.
"Barely."
She helped him sit up, brought water to his lips, placed a cool cloth on his forehead. Every move was careful, quiet and gentle.
"You didn't have to come," Kyro murmured.
"I'm only here because you're sick, nothing else," she said, a quick blush spreading across her face before she turned away sharply.
He smiled a little. "Understood."
She stood up abruptly and said, "I'll be right back."
He blinked, confused. "Lyra?"
Moments later, she returned, holding a steaming cup in her hands. "Here. Drink this. It's a mix of healing herbs. It'll help."
Kyro let out a low chuckle. "I told you, I'll live."
"Stop being so stubborn and just take it," she said, holding out the medicine cup firmly.
He took it from her, raised it with a slight nod, and drank. "Thank you for your kindness."
She lowered her gaze. "No... I should be the one saying that. I didn't do anything to deserve any of this."
To him, she looked so sad just then. Her voice was soft, and her eyes shimmered like she was holding something in.
"Lyra," he said gently, "is there something on your mind?"
She hesitated, fingers curling into the fabric of her skirt. "No... I mean—it's nothing. I just remembered something about my dad."
Kyro's brows furrowed, his expression shifting to concern. She sat on the chair beside him, back straight, shoulders tight and tense like she wasn't sure if she was allowed to relax.
He watched her quietly for a second, then said, "Come here, Lyra."
She glanced at him, startled. "Are you sure it's okay for me to sit there?"
"Why wouldn't it be?" he said with a small smirk, patting the space beside him on his bed.
After a moment, she got up and sat next to him, her fingers twisted in her lap, still a little shy but calmer now.
She sat, slowly. Her fingers twisted in her lap.
"I had a nightmare," she said finally. "It was... about my father."
She looked up, eyes watery
Flashback
Her father's voice echoed, hateful and sharp.
"You're impure! A disgrace! You deserve less than nothing! Just like your mother—good for nothing, taking up space and food in our village!"
He raised his hand again and again, and no matter how much she screamed, no one came.
She blinked, her gaze distant as she finished speaking.
"You didn't deserve any of that, Lyra," Kyro said firmly.
He reached out, gently holding her face. "I'm so sorry. From now on, I'll protect you. As much as you'll let me. I swear it."
He pulled her into a hug, holding her tight.
Her heart raced, face burning.
"WELL THEN—" she shouted suddenly, springing up like a wound-up coil. "My job here is done, so goodbye!"
She sprinted out of the room, face red as fire.
Kyro lay back with a laugh, hand on his face,
"She's going to kill me one of these days..."