Lyla

Lyla POV:

As the morning light peeked through the curtains of my room, a sense of foreboding settled over me. Today was the day of the ritual, and the weight of what was to come pressed heavily on my heart.

"Hey, Lyla," Alana greeted me as she walked into the room, her usual bubbly demeanor slightly subdued. "How are you holding up?"

I gave her a weak smile.

"Just trying to get through the day."

Alana sat beside me on the bed, her expression one of understanding.

"It's going to be okay. We're all here for you."

Her reassurance was a small comfort. I knew everyone was doing their best to support me, but the gnawing fear of the unknown was relentless.

Throughout the morning, Cameron and Samuel were by my side, their presence both a comfort and a painful reminder of the bond that was at risk. We talked about everything and nothing, avoiding the topic that loomed over us like a dark cloud.

In the afternoon, my brothers came to see me. Lars, with his usual stern facade, struggled to hide h