Chapter Four: "The Girl Named Lyra"
She introduced herself as Lyra — a healer's apprentice from the north edge of Loren. Her mother was lost in the flames. Her home reduced to rubble.
"I don't know why they came," she whispered, eyes hollow. "But they weren't just looking to destroy. They were searching for something."
Raizel looked toward the mountains in the distance. "Or someone."
He helped her to her feet. Though wounded, Lyra had spirit in her. She refused to weep. Refused to fall. That kind of strength… it reminded him of his own resolve.
"I don't know much about aura," Raizel admitted, "but something's awakened inside me. And I can't ignore it."
Lyra nodded. "Then don't."
She opened a small pouch and pulled out a strange crystal — faintly glowing. "My mother said this can reveal the nature of one's aura… if it's real."
Raizel touched it.
A brilliant light burst forth — not red, not blue, but a mixture of three colors: orange, silver, and deep violet.
Lyra gasped. "Three affinities?! That's… impossible."
Raizel's expression hardened. "Then I'll make the impossible real."