Lyra

I walked into the dorm room, my mind still reeling from the placement test, and found Sally packing a suitcase. Frowning, I gestured toward her luggage. "Are you leaving school? Take me with you, please!"

Sally laughed, but I could see the traces of tears on her cheeks. She shook her head. "No, I go home most weekends to see my dad. He likes me at home, and I love seeing him… even if he is pretty strict."

"Strict how?" I asked, sitting on the edge of my ...