Lyra followed Kieran out of the room slowly. Her steps felt weak, like her legs didn’t want to move, but she kept going because he looked too serious to ignore. He didn’t hold her hand at first, maybe because he didn’t want her mother to feel uncomfortable, but the moment they were far enough in the hallway, he reached for her quietly. His hand was warm. Lyra squeezed his fingers without thinking.

He didn’t speak until they reached a corner where no guards were standing. He stopped ...