Chapter 60: At the Precipice

Lyra's POV

The world is ending, and I'm trapped in a cave with the man I love but can't have.

Outside, the magical storm rages with apocalyptic fury. Lightning of impossible colors – violet, emerald, blood-red – splits the sky, each flash revealing glimpses of other realms bleeding into our own. The very fabric of reality is coming undone, and all I can think about is how Xander's eyes look in this unearthly light.

"We need to get out there," he growls, pacing like a caged animal. "Our people need us."

I shake my head, trying to focus on the task at hand rather than the way his muscles ripple beneath his torn shirt. "We'd be torn apart the second we step outside. The magic is too unstable."

As if to prove my point, a bolt of energy slams into the cave entrance, sending tremors through the stone. Xander loses his footing, stumbling towards me. I reach out instinctively to steady him, and suddenly we're pressed together, our faces inches apart.

Time seems to stand still. I can feel the