That night, Liss couldn't sleep.
The Lady inside her ribs—
stepped out.
She looked like her.
But older. Wilder.
Eyes glowing with ancient grief and absolute certainty.
"I am what you locked inside," the Lady said.
"But I was born from your first heartbreak."
"Thessaly?"
"No. From being erased before anyone loved you."
She held out her hand.
"Let me walk beside you. Let me help end them."
Liss took it.
Not because she agreed.
But because…
she was tired of standing alone.