CHAPTER 100 - Relative Magic

Ryan I stumbled into my home, exhaustion weighing heavy on my shoulders. The day had been a whirlwind of meetings, negotiations, and constant worry for Lyra's safety. After a long hot shower that did nothing to revive me, I collapsed into my bed, rubbing my temples. As I closed my eyes, hoping for a moment's respite, a memory, long forgotten from my childhood surfaced, as it were pulled from the night sky and placed in my brain. I was three years old, clinging to Juan, my father's Beta, as he carried me through the forest. The sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled light on the forest floor. Juan's laughter echoed around us, his deep voice filled with warmth and joy. He lowered me from his shoulders, his eyes suddenly alert. "Ryan," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Hide behind that tree and don't make a sound." I did as he asked, trembling behind the tree while my eyes stayed glued to the unfolding scene. A figure draped in crimson, its form and face obscured