Lyra’s POV

My eyes felt heavy, and my body was in pain as if I had been run down by a moving train.

I struggled to break free of whatever was holding me still, yet I felt weak and unable to move. I tried to force my eyes open, but they wouldn't budge.

With every ounce of strength I could muster, I forced my eyes open. It started gradually, then with more attempts, I managed to pry them open, and the ray of light caught my sight.

I tried to shield my eyes, but I noticed my hand was attached to ...