_Lyla's POV_
I watched, almost breathless, as Nyx’s expression shifted before my eyes. Gone was the stormy anger that had marred her beautiful face inside the Temple. In its place bloomed something softer, something I hadn't seen in her before. It was curiosity and something startlingly close to tenderness.
Astra stirred inside me, whispering, "She likes him."
I could feel it too. The way her fingers trembled slightly as she brushed soot from the young man's brow. The way her silver eyes, always so cold and sharp, now shimmered with something warm and fragile.
The boy sat up slowly, his breathing ragged but steadying. His storm-blue eyes met Nyx's silver ones, confusion flickering across his soot-streaked features.
Nyx leaned in closer, her voice surprisingly gentle.
"Are you hurt?"
