Lyra Point Of View.

Morning had only just begun to brush gold against the eastern towers when my chamber doors flew open without announcement.

The sound alone told me everything.

No servant with good news enters like that.

I did not look up immediately. I finished the line I had been writing, carefully setting down the quill before lifting my gaze.

Selene stood just inside the threshold.

Or rather, she trembled there.

Her hair was disheveled. Her breathing is uneven. She rushed forward ...