Lyra did not remember the journey back to the palace clearly. Everything felt blurry, like her mind had gone somewhere else and refused to return. She walked beside Kieran, but she barely felt her feet touching the ground. Her eyes were still red and heavy from crying. Her chest felt tight in a way she could not describe. She held her belly gently the whole time, trying to breathe slowly so she wouldn’t pass out.

Kieran stayed close to her, matching her steps. He did not rush her. He did not ...