Cassian’s restless pacing from last night echoed in my head as I slipped into the academy library.

“Over here,” Lyra whispered, her flashlight cutting through the dust, her Vesper jacket zipped tight. The basement was a maze of shelves, the air musty with old books and magic.

I followed, my boots soft on the stone floor, my eyes scanning for traps.

I wasn't sure what was bothering him, but if I could hazard a guess, I’d say it had something to do with me. I was still obsessed with ...