My hand snaked behind her neck, Lyra looking up with the same measured expression that would have me think she continued to be unaffected.
But I knew better now.
Her eyes reminded me of starlight storms. They happened rarely—every century or so—though I was fortunate to catch more than one.
“I asked a question, the day you arrived.” Threading my fingers through her hair, I made no other move to bring us closer. For her part, Lyra slowly raised her hand, placing it delicately on my forearm. Not to push me away, but neither to encourage any further connection.
A simple, neutral movement. Very… Lyra.
“What game do you play?” I asked, reminding her of that question.
“I could ask you the same,” she responded. “Clearly, something Kael said upset you, though you refuse to tell me about your meeting.”
“He’s been too long with the princess. Too long in Aetheria.”
“Mevlida. She is your family now. Perhaps you should begin to use her name.”
“Perhaps you should attempt honesty with me.” I tugged her closer. “Or better, with yourself.”
Her nails dug into my arm, the only indication I had any effect.
“You have no shame. To use my weakness against me.”
“Weakness? Wanting is not a weakness, Lyra.” To prove it, I leaned forward to kiss her. Not claim, but kiss. A slow, methodical response to her accusation. She gave herself fully, and I did the same. Our bodies pressed together, and if not for the weight of this day… the impending war… I’d have happily lost myself in the kiss.
Instead, I pulled back, hoping to have proved my point.
“I lose myself every bit as much, if not more, every time we’re near. ’Tis not a weakness but a sign of trust. One I want to return.”
That startled her.
“What did he say?” she pressed.
I let go and stepped back.
“Kael said much and nothing at all. My brother bides his time. Waits for me to come to the same conclusion as you.”
Her shoulders rose and fell as Lyra watched, and waited. Calculated and understood.
“Terran—”
“If you thought it would be possible to seduce me into obtaining the Stone of Mor’Vallis and using it to open the Aetherian Gate, you were half-right.”
I wanted to be wrong. But as I turned from her, attempting not to hear the pain in her voice as she called me back to her, two things became clear.
Lyra had been playing a dangerous game with me.
And I’d let her.
* * *
The ivory-colored structure rose above the western edge of the palace grounds as I approached. Though smaller than the palace, the Temple was no less imposing. Its white stone columns were etched with golden filigree that caught rays of sunlight from every angle. I hadn’t meant to come here, to the ancient building that housed the Gate, but with every step closer, the Stone that had gone silent began to pulse with a now-familiar faint vibration from the pouch at my side.
A pair of Aetherian guards crossed their halberds before the entrance, blocking my way.
I stiffened, expecting as much, but before I could summon either excuse or defiance, a familiar voice cut through the stillness behind me.
“He’s with me.”
