Luna. Chapter 103

(Lyra's POV)

Victor stepped forward then. I held my breath. He looked older tonight. More tired. But there was something different in his expression. Something softer.

"Kael," he said quietly.

Kael straightened, still holding Asher but facing my father directly. "Victor."

"I owe you an apology." The words came out rough. "I let my fear make me cruel. I let my anger blind me to what was right in front of me."

My heart stopped. Dad was actually doing this.

"You saved my daughter's life tonight. You've been protecting her all along, haven't you?" Victor's voice cracked slightly. "Even when I was too stubborn to see it."

Kael nodded slowly. "I would do anything to keep her safe. Both of them safe."

"I know that now." Victor extended his hand. "I'm sorry it took me so long to understand."

The moment stretched between them. Kael looked at the offered hand for a long second. Then he shifted Asher to one arm and reached out with his free hand.

They shook. Firm. Real. Final.

"Thank you," Kael said simply.

"Thank you," Victor replied, "for bringing my girl home."

I felt tears burning my eyes again. This was it. This was what I'd been hoping for without even knowing it.

Thunder crashed outside, so loud it made us all jump. The rain that had been threatening all evening finally opened up. It came down hard and fast. Violent.

"Jesus," Victor muttered, looking toward the windows. "That's coming down like the world's ending."

Asher pressed his face against the glass. "It's really bad out there. The street's already flooding."

I looked at Kael. He was already shaking his head. "I should go. I don't want to impose."

"Don't be ridiculous," I said before I could stop myself. "You can't drive in this."

"Lyra's right," Victor said, surprising me. "It's not safe. You should stay tonight."

Kael hesitated. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure." And I was. Completely sure. "The guest room's made up. It's no trouble."

"Please stay, Kael!" Asher bounced on his toes. "We can have breakfast together in the morning. Real family breakfast."

Kael's eyes found mine. There was something vulnerable in them. Like he couldn't quite believe this was happening.

"Okay," he said softly. "If you're sure."

"I'm sure."

Another flash of lightning lit up the whole house. The storm was getting worse.

"Well," Victor said, clearing his throat. "I think I'll turn in. It's been a long night."

He paused at the bottom of the stairs. Looked back at Kael. "Welcome home, son."

My heart nearly burst.

Victor headed upstairs. Asher yawned hugely.

"I'm tired too," he announced. "But this was the best night ever."

He hugged me tight, then threw his arms around Kael one more time. "I'm so happy you're staying."

"Me too, buddy."

After Asher went up to bed, Kael and I stood in the living room listening to the rain pound against the windows. The silence between us wasn't uncomfortable. It was charged. Electric.

"I can't believe that just happened," I said finally.

"Your father's a good man. He just loves you."

"He was wrong about you."

"He was protecting his family. I understand that."

Of course he did. That's just who Kael was.

"The guest room's upstairs. Second door on the left." I was suddenly nervous. "There are towels in the bathroom. And I think there might be some of your old clothes still in the dresser."

He smiled. "You kept my clothes?"

Heat crept up my neck. "I kept a lot of things."

The admission hung between us. His eyes darkened.

"Lyra..."

"I know. I know it's complicated. I know we have things to work through." I took a shaky breath. "But I'm glad you're staying."

"So am I."

We stood there looking at each other. The air felt thick. Heavy with everything unsaid.

Thunder rolled overhead again. The lights flickered.

"I should let you get some rest," he said finally.

"Yeah. It's been a long day."

But neither of us moved.

"Thank you," I whispered. "For everything. For saving my life. For being patient with my dad. For coming back."

"Thank you for letting me."

He stepped closer. Just one step. But I felt it in my bones.

"Goodnight, Lyra."

"Goodnight."

He headed for the stairs. I watched him go. At the top, he turned back.

"Sweet dreams."

Then he was gone.

I stood in the empty living room listening to the storm rage outside. My heart was hammering. My hands were shaking.

He was here. In my house. Under my roof.

For the first time in four years, I was going to sleep knowing Kael was close by.

The thought should have been comforting.

Instead, it set my blood on fire.