Promises to Keep

The room stayed still for a heartbeat longer, the quiet stretching between them like the calm before a storm. Every pair of eyes lingered on Leo, the weight of his words settling in their chests.

Lyra’s throat tightened, a lump forming, but she didn’t look away.

Leo’s gaze dropped for a fleeting second, as if gathering every ounce of courage in his chest. Then he lifted his eyes, locking onto Ly