heartgear

Be Here

Added 2025-05-30 16:00:19 +0000 UTC

Lyra’s wings spread wide again, but her eyes are blank, and she’s wrapped her arms back around herself, trembling. With a start, Lloyd realises what she’s feeling. The same static that boiled up in his mind, just minutes ago. Carefully, gingerly, he moves closer, crouching down so he’s looking up.

"Then tell me."

“I am…terrible… at being alone.” Lyra’s crystal voice breaks. She struggles for words and composure. "I was always... so hungry, and cold, and lonely. But whenever I chose to rely on someone, I always chose wrong. I hurt others. Others hurt me. Alastor. Astraea. You.”

She holds herself tighter, as if trying to keep herself in one piece.

“S-so this time, I rely on no one. This time I stay alone. This time no one gets hurt and no one hurts me. And that way… that way you can finally live your life.” She looks up, tears filling her amber gaze. “Why will you not just live your life?"

Lloyd’s eyes shimmer. Slowly, he pulls her hand into his, clasping it like a frightened bird. She’s awkward and stiff, unsure of how to be held, but she doesn’t pull away.

"I am living my life." Lloyd says, softly.

"Why?" She chokes out.

"Because living isn’t just staying alive." Lloyd can feel her pulse fluttering beneath his hands. “It’s singing a song with someone I love.”

+++

Excerpt from Imago Ch28: Broken Reflections!

Going a LITTLE out of order here, but still one of my favorite moments in all of Chrysago. Lyra and Lloyd's story is kind of its own love story, though not in your typical fashion, and I love them.