Hollowwood

We spent the rest of the night hiding in the ruins of the old temple. Lyra stood watch while Lucas stitched his own wound without flinching. I wrapped my arms around my knees and sat in silence, replaying everything.

The altar.

The vow I almost made.

The choice I almost couldn't make.

And the truth I could no longer avoid.

"I'm still cursed," I said. "Still broken. Powerless."

Lucas crouched in front of me. His voice was quiet. "You're not powerless. You're just being forced to play by their rules."

"And if I don't?"

"Then we break their game."

Lyra leaned against the far wall, arms crossed. "You'll need allies. Real ones. Not just wolves in royal robes. And you'll need to figure out what exactly the curse is binding—your power or your will."

Lucas looked at me. "I'll help you find the truth. Whatever it costs."

I swallowed. "Even if the curse demands my greatest love in exchange?"