Page 56 of Angel of Ruin

And yet, as I watch her stand tall in the face of it all, I can't help but feel a surge of pride. My little nexari is stronger than she looks.

She gasps, her back arching as the energy seeps into her skin. I can see the strain etched on her face, the way her fists clench at her sides until her knuckles turn white. Every damn instinct screams at me to rush to her aid, to shield her from this torment.

But I force myself to remain still, my jaw clenched so tight it aches. I can't interfere, no matter how much it kills me to watch.

The magic intensifies, pulsing with a rhythm that matches the frantic pounding of my heart. Lyra's skin begins to glow from within, as if molten light runs through her veins.

She cries out, a sound of both agony and ecstasy that tears at my very soul. I've never heard anything like it - raw, primal, filled with power and pain. It echoes through the chamber, reverberating in my chest.

I dig my nails into my palms, drawing blood, anything to distract myself from the overwhelming urge to intervene. But I can't look away.

If she has to endure this, the least I can do is bear witness to her strength, her determination. My little nexari, facing down the very essence of xaphan magic. Who would've thought she had it in her?

My wings rustle with agitation as I watch her, wanting to save her. But I keep myself still. I've never witnessed a human transformation before, and the raw power on display is staggering.

Lyra's body twists and contorts, her muscles stretching and reshaping beneath her skin like some grotesque puppet show. I can see the outline of nascent wings pressing against her back, fighting to break free from their fleshy prison. Her screams grow louder, more desperate, echoing off the temple walls and piercing my very soul.

The Praexa's chanting reaches a fever pitch, their voices blending into an otherworldly chorus that sets my teeth on edge. Blinding light erupts from the circle, forcing me to shield my eyes with my arm.

When I finally dare to look again, I'm struck breathless by the sight before me. Lyra is suspended in midair, her small frame wreathed in golden flames that lick at her skin but don't seem to burn.

With a final, gut-wrenching cry that'll haunt my dreams for years to come, Lyra throws her head back. There's a sickening crack that reverberates through the chamber, the flames blooming and growing until I'm forced to wince away from them.

The magic swells until it shatters, the tension in the air breaking like glass. With eyes pinched closed, I can see the lightfading and I turn back, hating I took my eyes off Lyra for even a moment.

As the blinding light fades, I blink rapidly, trying to clear the spots from my vision. When my eyes finally focus, I'm struck breathless by the sight before me.

Lyra stands in the center of the circle, her body trembling but upright. A pair of pristine white wings unfurl from her back, stretching out to their full span. They're smaller than mine, but no less magnificent - each feather seems to glow with an inner golden light, a testament to the power she's just endured.

Without thinking, I rush to her side. Her legs wobble, and I wrap an arm around her waist, steadying her. She leans into me, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps.

"I've got you," I murmur, my voice rough with emotion. "You did it, little nexari. You actually fucking did it."

The Praexa's voice booms through the chamber, but I barely register the words. Something about Lyra being officially declared as winged, no longer fully human, bringing honor to her family. All I can focus on is the woman in my arms, the impossible miracle she represents.

Lyra's face is a mix of exhaustion and pure, unbridled joy. Her eyes, brighter than I've ever seen them, meet mine. A smile spreads across her face, and I can't help but return it. I squeeze her hand, trying to convey everything I can't say out loud. My pride, my amazement, my... fuck, I don't even know what to call this feeling swelling in my chest.

"How do you feel?" I ask softly, mindful of the crowd still watching us.

She takes a shaky breath. "Like I've been hit by a damn lightning bolt." Her wings twitch, as if emphasizing her point. "But also... incredible. Powerful. Like I could take on the world."

I chuckle, relief flooding through me. "Easy there, little nexari. Let's get you steady on your feet first before you start conquering kingdoms."

But she only smiles up at me, looking absolutely stunning and I lean in. "How about we start with that promise I made, hmm? You on your knees letting me show you just how fun these wings can be."

The Praexa coughs behind us, clearly having heard us, and I chuckle as Lyra turns red and shoves me. But I wrap an arm around her, tugging her into my side with every intention of doing just that when we get home.

29

LYRA

"Are you ready, my little nexari?"

I nod, smiling at Sariel's name for me. I clutch the cloak over my shoulders, wanting to surprise my family with my wings. The news still hasn't reached them. In fact, my village is so distant from the main city centers that no one has received the news just yet.

I take a deep breath as we approach my parents' small, weathered house. The familiar sight of the crooked wooden planks and patched roof brings a rush of memories, both good and bad.

Sariel's eyes widen as he takes in the modest dwellings around us. "These homes are... quaint. I've never seen such humble living conditions."

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