Lyra was five.
Which meant she still believed monsters could be chased away with loud voices, that bedtime stories were sacred law, and that her big brother could fix anything if she just held his hand tight enough.
It also meant Alden had started standing between her and the world without realizing he was doing it.
Lila noticed.
Caleb noticed.
Elowen definitely noticed.
“You’re doing it again,” Elowen said one afternoon as they walked the inner path together.
Alden glanced down. “Doing what?”
“You’re walking on the outside,” she said. “Like something’s going to jump out and try to steal us.”
Alden didn’t deny it. “That’s how Dad walks.”
Elowen nodded thoughtfully. “Yeah. But he’s old.”
Alden blinked. “He’s not old.”
“He makes old noises when he stands up,” she replied seriousl
