Lyra’s Pov

The full moon sat high in the window, and its light poured over the furs. My skin felt too tight, and my stomach twisted hard. The last heat wave hit me all at once, and I dropped to my knees and grabbed the edge of the table. My breath came fast and shallow. Kael stood by the door with his back to me, he had said he would stay away this time. I saw his hands clench at his sides.

“Kael,” I called. My voice cracked. “I can’t fight it.”

He turned slowly. His eyes went dark when he saw me. “I told you I’d keep my distance.”...