Luna. Chapter 160

Lyra's POV

When I woke up the next morning, I felt different. Stronger. Like something fundamental had shifted during the night.

I got out of bed and realized my leg wasn't hurting.

My leg hadn't hurt in months, but there had always been a lingering stiffness, a reminder of the injury. Now there was nothing.

I walked to the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror. My skin was clearer. My eyes were brighter. Even my hair looked healthier.

"What the hell?" I whispered.

I lifted my shirt and looked at my leg where the worst of the scarring had been. The skin was completely smooth. Perfect. Like I'd never been injured at all.

"Mom?" Asher called from downstairs. "Breakfast is ready!"

"Coming!"

I threw on clothes and hurried downstairs. Asher had made pancakes, which would normally make me nervous about him using the stove, but today I was too amazed by what was happening to my body to worry about it.

"You look different," he said, studying my face.

"Different how?"

"Happier. Lighter."

"I feel lighter."

"Is it because you beat the curse?"

"Maybe. Or maybe it's because I finally understand something I should have figured out a long time ago."

"What's that?"

"That we're stronger than we think we are. All of us."

He smiled. "Does this mean Dad's going to be okay?"

"I think your dad's going to be just fine."

And for the first time in weeks, I actually believed it.

I spent the morning testing my body, amazed by how strong I felt. I could run without getting winded. I could lift things that would have strained me before. My reflexes were faster.

It was like the curse, in trying to destroy me, had somehow made me better than I was before.

"It's the baby," I realized suddenly.

"What about the baby?" Asher asked.

"She's changing me. Making me stronger."

"How do you know?"

"I can feel it. The power isn't just mine. It's hers too."

I put my hand on my belly, feeling that familiar flutter of movement.

"Hey there, little warrior," I whispered. "Are you helping Mommy fight the bad guys?"

Another flutter, stronger this time.

Asher giggled. "I think she said yes."

"I think so too."