(Lyra's POV)
The flickering candlelight cast eerie shadows across the room as I lay in the center of an intricate symbol drawn on the floor. My heart raced, a mixture of fear and anticipation coursing through my veins. Eldra's wizened face loomed over me, her eyes filled with concern and determination.
"Are you sure about this, child?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "The ritual to recover your memories... it's not without risk."
I swallowed hard, pushing down the doubt that threatened to overwhelm me. "I need to know the truth," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "No matter the cost."
From the corner of my eye, I saw Asher shift uneasily. "Lyra, please," he pleaded, his blue eyes clouded with worry. "There has to be another way. This ritual... it could kill you."
Lucian placed a restraining hand on his brother's shoulder. "She needs to do this, Asher. We can't keep her in the dark any longer."