2. A Second Chance

 Warm sunlight streamed through the embroidered curtains of Solaris Palace, golden rays dancing across the marble floor. Lyra’s eyes flew open, her chest rising and falling in ragged breaths. No battlefield. No blood. No villains’ laughter echoing in her ears. Just the quiet safety of her room.

Her trembling fingers touched her chest her heartbeat was steady, alive. She rushed to the mirror and gasped. The girl reflected back was not the scarred warrior she remembered, but her younger self. Twelve years old.

“This… this is real,” she whispered. “I am reborn. I got second chance.”

A sudden knock rattled the door. “Sister! Are you awake?” Elara’s cheerful voice rang out before the door creaked open. Her ten-year-old sister bounded in, her blue ribbons bouncing with each step. “Hurry! Today is your engagement celebration with Prince Kael! Everyone’s waiting!”

The words hit Lyra like a storm. The engagement day… the day I ruined everything in my past life.

She forced a small smile, cupping Elara’s cheek. “I’ll be ready soon, little star. Go on ahead.”

Elara beamed and dashed out, her laughter trailing behind.

Lyra’s chest tightened. She remembered all too well how Lysandra’s whispers had poisoned her heart, making her reject Kael and shattering every bond she had. But not this time. This time, she would fight fate itself.

The palace gardens bloomed with life. Golden banners fluttered like sunlight caught in the breeze, enchanted lanterns floated lazily above, and music swirled in the air. Guests from four kingdoms mingled, their voices rising in joy.

At the center stood Kael, tall and steady even at thirteen. His dark eyes scanned the staircase, restless until they landed on her. His hand twitched toward his sword, not from fear, but instinct as if searching for her made him whole.

Beside him, Kieran smirked. “Relax, Kael. You look like you’re preparing for battle instead of a party.”

Melody, standing with Cedric, giggled. “He’s nervous because it matters. Don’t tease him.”

Cedric rolled his eyes, elbowing Rowan. “I told you sisters are terrifying.”

Rowan chuckled. “And yet, we still follow them everywhere.”

Seraphina groaned, tugging Elara along. “Boys. Hopeless.”

But the laughter wasn’t limited to the royals. Their bodyguards stood close, ever watchful, yet unable to hide their bonds.

Isla stepped forward, crossing her arms. Her sharp eyes swept the crowd, then softened as she glanced at Lyra. “Finally, princess. Don’t make me drag you down the stairs.”

Lyra gave her a grateful smile. Isla had always been more sister than servant. “I’m here now. Thank you for always looking out for me.”

From Kael’s side, Gareth barked a laugh. “About time. Kael’s been pacing like a caged beast. I thought I’d have to pin him down.”

Kael glared, his ears turning red. “Gareth!!!”

Raina, ever calm, laid a hand on Melody’s shoulder. “Don’t mind the teasing. These bonds aren’t just about duty. We stand here because we choose to.”

Talon added with a half-grin, “Exactly. And if anyone tries to ruin this celebration, they’ll have to go through all of us first.”

The easy banter, the familiar warmth it hit Lyra harder than any blade. These were the people who had bled for her, died with her, stood unyielding even when she faltered. And now, they were alive. Smiling. Safe.

Her throat tightened as her gaze locked with Kael’s. His eyes softened instantly, a flame sparking within them.

“Lyra,” he whispered, as if the whole world had narrowed down to just her.

She descended the staircase slowly, her steps measured, her heart hammering. This is the day it all went wrong. But not this time.

As she reached the bottom, she whispered under her breath, a vow only she could hear.

“This is my second chance. I won’t let them take you from me again.”

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