CHAPTER 116 - Luna Duties

Ryan I stood by the window, watching as the first tendrils of dawn crept slowly across the sky, painting the horizon in a breathtaking array of pinks and golds. The bedroom was utterly still, the silence broken only by the gentle, rhythmic breathing of Lyra behind me. I turned slowly, my gaze settling on her sleeping form, and felt a surge of love so intense it nearly took my breath away. It was a love that consumed me, body and soul, a love that I knew I would fight for until my last breath. Carefully, so as not to wake her too abruptly, I sat down on the edge of the bed, the mattress dipping slightly under my weight. I reached out, my fingers trembling slightly, to brush a stray lock of silken hair from her face, marveling at the softness of her skin. I hated to disturb her peaceful slumber, but I knew I had no choice. There was more bad news to share, and as much as I wanted to protect her from it, I knew she deserved to know the truth. As if sensing my presence, she stirred, her