The new timeline sang.
Stars born in her name. Planets shaped by her thoughts. Time obeyed—but not as a master. As a child, eager to please.
Lyra stood alone in a garden that had never existed before.
Damien was gone. Or waiting.
She touched her chest.
The shard was gone.
She no longer needed it.
Because she was the anchor now.
And the next story had already begun.