_Lyla's POV_
The next day dawned in hues of misty silver. The air thick with the scent of damp earth. The Temple seemed to breathe alongside us, its crumbling walls whispering stories of forgotten ages. As the heavy gates creaked open, Nyx stepped into the world beyond once more. Her silver gown was trailing behind her like a wisp of morning fog.
I followed her as I had every day, my steps careful and soundless. But today, I was not the only shadow moving through the woods.
Selene stood hidden behind one of the temple’s broken pillars. Her sharp eyes were locked onto Nyx’s retreating figure. There was a tension in Selene’s stance, a tightness around her mouth that made my heart ache.
Astra stirred within me.
"She’s afraid," Astra whispered, a brush of sorrow against my mind. "Afraid o
