Chapter 75: The Puppet Master

Lyra's POV

The infirmary is thick with the scent of herbs and anxiety as I sit by Asher's bedside, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest. The glowing symbols carved into his skin have faded, but their ghostly imprint remains, a constant reminder of the attack that nearly claimed his life.

A soft groan escapes Asher's lips, and his eyes flutter open, unfocused and clouded with pain. "Lyra," he rasps, his voice barely above a whisper. "You shouldn't be here. It's not safe."

I lean in, my heart racing. "Asher, what happened? Who did this to you?"

His expression contorts, as if he's fighting against some unseen force. "The Void... it's not what we thought. There's a consciousness behind it, ancient and terrible. It's been manipulating events for eons, positioning its pawns across time and space."

A chill runs down my spine. "Pawns? What do you mean?"

Asher's eyes lock onto mine, burning with an intensity that makes me want to look away. "