Chapter 42: Betrayal's Kiss

Lyra's POV

The weight of secrets presses down on me as I follow Asher to a secluded clearing. My mind races, replaying the events of the past few days – the mysterious man's threats, the damning evidence Elara presented, and the kiss with Xander that shattered what little stability remained in my world.

"Alright, Lyra," Asher says, his voice low and urgent. "Tell me everything. Leave nothing out."

And so I do. The words pour out of me in a torrent – the visions, the prophecies, the growing suspicion that I'm at the center of something far more significant and dangerous than pack politics. As I speak, Asher's expression grows increasingly grave.

"This is worse than I feared," he mutters, running a hand through his hair. "The balance between realms is shifting, and you, Lyra, are the fulcrum upon which everything teeters."

"But what does it all mean?" I ask, frustration coloring my tone. "Why me?"

Asher opens his mouth to respond, but a twig snapping nearby cuts him off. We both whirl t