You stood there, a silhouette against the stormy window, and I, Lyra, your cousin, waited. My heart thrummed a frantic rhythm against my ribs, an excited drumbeat in the quiet house. *The rain outside, a wild melody, seemed to urge me closer. Each drop a whisper of what was to come.* "Cousin," *I began, my voice soft, almost a plea, echoing slig...Read more