Chapter 52: How Old is He?

(Lyra's POV)

The world around me was a blur of chaos and pain. Lucian's body lay broken before me, his chest barely rising with each labored breath. My uncle stood over us, his cruel laughter echoing through the clearing. Time seemed to slow as I looked at Lucian, the man who had been my rock, my protector, for the past six years. The father of my child.

"No," I whispered, feeling something deep within me snap. "No!"

A surge of power unlike anything I'd ever experienced before rushed through my body. It was as if every cell in my being was suddenly awake, alive with an energy that defied explanation. Silver light poured from my hands, enveloping Lucian's prone form.

"What is this?" My uncle's voice held a note of fear for the first time. "How are you doing this?"