Lyra's eyes locked onto Elian's, but she knew it wasn't her own gaze staring back. The shadow's presence was growing stronger, its influence spreading through her mind like a stain.
Kael's voice cut through the darkness, his words barely above a whisper. "Lyra, I'm so sorry. I should have protected you."
Lyra's body moved closer to Kael, her eyes fixed on his. But it wasn't Lyra's own emotions driving her actions – it was the shadow's influence, manipulating her like a puppet.
Kael's eyes searched Lyra's face, his expression twisted in anguish. "Lyra, please. Come back to me."
And then, in a burst of emotion, Kael confessed, "Lyra, I love you. I've always loved you."
Lyra's body froze, her eyes locked onto Kael's. For a moment, the shadow's influence wavered, and Lyra's own emotions shone through.
She felt a spark of love, of connection, with Kael. It was a feeling she'd never acknowledged before, but now it seemed to consume her entire being.
The shadow's presence surged back, trying to extinguish Lyra's emotions. But it was too late. Lyra had felt the truth, and she knew that she loved Kael too...
As the shadow's influence spread, Lyra's world went dark once more. But this time, she knew she wasn't alone. Kael's love had given her a glimmer of hope, a chance to fight back against the darkness...