Chapter 50

As they drove through the night, Lyra's thoughts drifted to Shea and the connection she shared with Achilles. It was a bond Lyra could only dream of having. She wondered what it was about Shea that had captured Achilles' attention so completely.

"Achilles," Lyra ventured, her voice soft in the quiet car. "Can I ask you something?"

He glanced at her briefly before returning his eyes to the road. "Of course."

"What is it about Shea that... drew you to her?" Lyra tried to keep her tone casual, but her heart raced as she awaited his answer.

Achilles was silent for a moment, considering. When he spoke, his voice held a warmth Lyra had rarely heard before. "It's hard to explain. There's just something about her... a strength, a fire. She challenges me, makes me want to be better."

Lyra nodded, fighting back a twinge of jealousy. "She sounds special."

"She is," Achilles agreed. Then, seeming to remember who he was talking to, he added, "But you're special too, Lyra. What you did tonight, putting yourself at risk like that... I won't forget it."

His words sent a flutter through Lyra's chest. She knew he meant them platonically, but she couldn't help the spark of hope they ignited.

As they continued driving, Lyra found herself wishing the journey would never end. Here, in the darkness of the car, she could pretend for just a little longer that Achilles' soft looks and kind words were meant for her.

But reality was waiting for them at the end of this road. Soon, they'd reunite with Shea and Lucius, and Lyra would fade back into the background. For now, though, she allowed herself to bask in Achilles' presence, treasuring these stolen moments of closeness.

Achilles glanced at Lyra as he pulled out his phone, dialing his father's number. The call connected after a few rings.

"Dad, we're on our way back," Achilles said, his voice tight with tension. "Is everything alright on your end?"

Lucius's deep voice came through the speaker. "We're fine, son. Shea's safe. How did it go with the Hawkins?"

Achilles recounted the events at the Hawkins compound, his jaw clenching as he remembered the close call. "It was touch and go for a bit, but we managed to get out. Lyra was incredible."

Lyra felt a warmth spread through her chest at his praise, even as guilt gnawed at her for enjoying it.

"Good work, both of you," Lucius said. "Head back to the mansion. We'll regroup there and figure out our next move."

As Achilles ended the call, Lyra noticed his knuckles were white on the steering wheel. "Are you okay?" she asked softly.

He let out a long breath. "Yeah, just... processing everything. I can't believe how close we came to disaster."

Lyra reached out, hesitating for a moment before placing her hand on his arm. "But we made it. You got us out of there."

Achilles gave her a small, grateful smile. "We got us out of there. I couldn't have done it without you, Lyra."

The rest of the drive passed in comfortable silence, both lost in their thoughts. As they approached the Von Lunar mansion, Achilles's posture straightened, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of trouble.

"Almost there," he murmured, more to himself than to Lyra. "I just hope Shea's okay."

Lyra pushed down the pang in her heart at the concern in his voice. "I'm sure she is. Your father wouldn't let anything happen to her."

Achilles nodded, but the tension didn't leave his shoulders. As they pulled up to the mansion, he was out of the car almost before it had stopped, his eyes searching for Shea.

As Achilles and Lyra entered the mansion, they were greeted by the sight of Lucius and Shea in deep conversation. The moment Shea's eyes met Achilles', relief flooded her face. Without hesitation, she rushed towards him, throwing her arms around his neck.

"You're okay," she breathed, her voice muffled against his chest.

Achilles wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "I'm fine. Are you alright?"

Shea nodded, pulling back slightly to look up at him. "I was so worried."

Lyra watched the exchange, her heart twisting with a mixture of emotions. She'd known Achilles for years, had harbored feelings for him all this time, but she'd never seen him look at anyone the way he was looking at Shea now.

Lucius cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "We need to discuss our next move. The Hawkins faction won't take this lying down."

As they gathered in the study, Shea couldn't help but notice the way Lyra's eyes kept darting to Achilles. There was a history there, she realized, one that made her both curious and uneasy.

"Lyra," Shea said softly, catching the other woman's attention. "Thank you for what you did. For putting yourself at risk like that."

Lyra's expression softened. "Of course. I... I care about Achilles. I'd do anything to help him."

The words hung in the air between them, laden with unspoken meaning. Shea felt a pang of sympathy for Lyra, recognizing the longing in her eyes.

As Lucius began outlining their options, Shea found herself hyper-aware of Achilles' presence beside her. His arm brushed against hers, sending a shiver down her spine. She caught his eye, and the intensity of his gaze made her breath catch.

As Lucius outlined their options, the tension in the room was palpable. Shea found herself torn between focusing on the critical situation at hand and the magnetic pull she felt towards Achilles. His presence beside her was both comforting and distracting, each accidental brush of their arms sending electricity through her body.

Lyra, meanwhile, struggled to keep her emotions in check. She'd known Achilles for years, had been there through countless missions and training sessions. Yet now, watching him with Shea, she realized that perhaps she'd never truly known him at all. The way he looked at Shea, protective and tender, was something Lyra had only dreamed of seeing directed at her.

"We need to consider the possibility that the Hawkins faction might retaliate," Lucius said, his voice grave. "They won't take kindly to being outsmarted."

Achilles nodded, his jaw set in determination. "We'll need to increase security around the mansion. And Shea..." He turned to her, his eyes softening. "We'll need to accelerate your training. You need to be able to defend yourself if the worst happens."

Shea swallowed hard, both thrilled and terrified at the prospect. "I'm ready," she said, meeting his gaze steadily. "Whatever it takes."

Lyra watched their exchange, her heart aching. She'd always admired Achilles' strength and dedication, but seeing it directed so fiercely towards protecting Shea made her realize the depth of his feelings. It was more than just duty or obligation – there was a connection between them that ran deep.

As the meeting concluded, Shea found herself lingering behind with Achilles. The others filed out, leaving them alone in the study. Without a word, Achilles pulled her into his arms, holding her close.

"I was worried about you too," he murmured into her hair. "When I couldn't sense you nearby..."

Shea melted into his embrace, inhaling his scent. "I'm here now," she whispered. "We're both safe."