Elias’ POV
The moment the blinding light faded, my mind snapped back into focus. I lifted my eyes to what was left of my house, smoke still swirling in the air, not yet cleared.
I dragged the rain out of my face with one hand, trying to see clearly, and I was almost certain Lyra hadn’t survived. I didn’t see how anyone could have lived through that.
But then, through the dust and smoke, I saw a silhouette begin to form. She was slowly making her way across the rubble, her steps cautious as she tried to find a way out of the wreckage. She stopped just in front of what used to be the house, her eyes landing on me.
“Elias,” she whispered, her voice soft and trembling. I didn’t hesitate. I ran to her, catching her just as her legs gave out, and she collapsed into my arms. I lowered us both
