008 - Dear Lila...

As Erix and Lyra’s kiss ended, the air seemed to cool, and a palpable tension filled the room. They all stood in silence, the intensity of the moment lingering like a charged current.

Erix cleared his throat, stepping back. “That was... not what we intended.”

Tyson nodded in agreement. “Yeah, it seems like we all got a little carried away.”

Dyrion, who had been watching with a mixture of surprise and contemplation, added, “Maybe we should just stick to our original plan and keep things professional.”

Lyra, her cheeks flushed and her emotions in turmoil, nodded silently. “I think... I should go. I need some space.”

Without another word, she turned and headed toward the door. Her mind was a whirl of confusion and conflicting feelings about what had just happened. As she stepped out into the hallway, she tried to steady her breathing and clear her thoughts.

However, before she could leave the academy, she was stopped by a familiar voice. It was Principal Salvatore—her new stepfather. He