Chapter 52: Shadows of Doubt

Lyra's POV

The ancient tome hits the floor with a resounding thud, its yellowed pages fluttering open to reveal secrets long buried. My hands shake as I pick it up, my eyes scanning the damning words written in faded ink. No, this can't be true. Not Asher. Not the one person I thought I could trust.

But the evidence is right there, staring back at me in black and white. Asher's name, linked to a series of magical manipulations dating back centuries. Manipulations that shaped the very fabric of our world, that led to the current crisis we're facing.

My mind reels, struggling to reconcile the Asher I know with this shadowy figure from the past. I need answers, and I need them now.

I storm into Asher's study, the book clutched to my chest like a shield. He looks up, his warm smile fading as he sees the fury in my eyes.

"Aurora? What's wrong?"

I slam the book down on his desk, watching as the color drains from his face. "Explain this," I demand, my voice trembling with barely contained ra