Chapter 226

Summer's POV I drifted into exhausted sleep in Alexander's arms, my body pleasantly sore from our passionate reunion. The world around me faded, replaced by strange, ethereal mists that swirled and parted to reveal a familiar face I hadn't seen in years. "Lyra?" I gasped, my heart leaping with joy at the sight of her. She smiled that familiar gentle smile I'd missed for so long, but her eyes held a sadness that sent ice through my veins. "Summer," she said, her voice echoing as if coming from a great distance. "My dear friend." "Where have you been all these years?" I asked, tears springing to my eyes. "I've missed you so much. We all have." Her form flickered like a candle flame in the breeze. "I've been with Lucien. It was my choice, Summer. I loved him... I still do." "Then why haven't you contacted us? Why stay away?" "Because things have changed." The edges of her silhouette pulsed with blue light. "Lucien isn't himself anymore.Something dark has taken hold of him." "What do you m