Chapter 26: Dreams and A Loss

"Lyra, thank you," Alina said, her voice trembling with emotion. "I know I've been difficult and stubborn, but what you did, going to the king for me, it means more than I can ever express. Ouch." She winced at the sting of the ointment being applied to her bruise.

They were in a dimly lit room. Alina sat while a healer carefully tended to her bruises and cuts, and Lyra stood near the healer.

Lyra's eyes softened as she stepped closer to her sister. "Don't worry, Alina. I always got you, even when you're being stubborn. I know you, and I know sometimes you let your emotions get the best of you."

Alina looked down, the weight of her emotions causing tears to well up. "I just couldn't face him, Lyra. The humiliation, the anger, it was all too much. But you...”

The healer saw what was happening and gave them some space.

Alina looked up, "…you stood up for me, even when I couldn't stand up for myself. Thank you, from the depths of my heart."