~ LYRA ~

I look Tess dead in the eye. "I need you to give yourself a chance to think about this seriously, Tess."

She drums her fingers over her hipbones and tosses her long, strawberry-hued hair over her shoulder. "I want to know where you're getting your information from. Just so you know, a palm reader or a magically found crystal orb doesn't count."

"My stepfather," I say, my eyes never leaving hers. "Silas just finished explaining to me the reason for my current ...