Chapter 105: Lyra’s Story

As the morning sun cast a soft glow over the farmstead, Joan sat by the large oak tree that had stood on their property for generations. He loved these moments of peace, where he could watch the birds soar through the air and listen to the gentle hum of the wind moving through the fields. His father, Alex, was off working with the others, and Joan had taken the opportunity to escape for some quiet time.

It wasn't long before Lyra approached him, a worn leather-bound book in her hands. She smiled warmly at him, her long red hair catching the sunlight, making it appear like strands of fire. Her green eyes were filled with warmth, but there was something deeper within them today—something distant.

"Joan, mind if I sit with you for a bit?" she asked as she moved closer.

Joan smiled and shifted to make room for her. "Of course, Mom. What's that you've got there?"