Chapter 88: The Price of Power

Lyra's POV

The sting of my palm still burns as I stare at Xander, horror and regret warring within me. The great hall has fallen deathly silent, the remaining pack members frozen in shock at my outburst. Xander's cheek reddens where I struck him, but it's the pain in his eyes that truly cuts me to the core.

"Xander, I—" I begin, but he holds up a hand, silencing me.

"Not now," he says, his voice tight with barely controlled emotion. "We have bigger problems."

As if to emphasize his point, the ground beneath our feet trembles. Outside, the unnatural purple sky pulses ominously, reality fracturing at its edges.

Selene steps forward, her ageless face etched with concern. "We're running out of time," she says urgently. "The ritual must be performed now, or all will be lost."

I nod, squaring my shoulders. Whatever has transpired between Xander and me, the fate of all realities hangs in the balance. Personal grievances will have to wait.