Lyra’s feet Beat against the forest floor as she ran, her heart pounding harder with every step. The cold night air stung her lungs, but she didn’t stop. Kael’s words echoed in her ears: “Run and don’t look back!” Her legs burned, her vision blurred, but she pressed on, desperate to escape the nightmare she had lived twice now.
Branches snagged at her hair and tore at her clothes, but she didn’t care. The darkness around her seemed alive, whispering threats she couldn’t escape. She ran until her body betrayed her, her legs giving out beneath her. Lyra crumpled to the ground, her vision darkening as the last bit of strength left her.
When Lyra opened her eyes, the world swam before her. She blinked several times, her head pounding with each movement. The ceiling above her was made of w
