Lyra was three weeks old when she smiled for the first time. It happened on a quiet afternoon, the sun streaming through the windows of the royal den, casting golden patterns across the floor. Kai was holding her in his arms, singing a soft lullaby that his own mother had sung to him before the darkness had taken her.The baby's honey-brown eyes fixed on his face, her small brow furrowed in concentration. Then her lips curved into a tiny, perfect smile, and Kai felt his heart stop."Did you see that?" Kai gasped, looking up at Darius, who was sitting nearby with a book in his hands. "She smiled! She smiled at me!"Darius dropped the book and crossed the room in two quick strides, his golden eyes wide with wonder. He leaned over Kai's shoulder and looked at Lyra, who was now cooing softly, her small fists waving in the air."Do it again, little one," Darius said, his voice soft and encouraging. "Smile for your papa."Lyra looked up at him, her eyes bright with curiosity. Then her lips
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