**Lyra's Point of View**

The world turned into one terrifying point: that thin beam of corrupted red light, a spear of pure evil aimed at the center of my universe. There wasn't enough time to think, plan, or be afraid. There was only instinct, a basic need that took over all other functions in my body.

*No.

The denial wasn't a word; it was a force that came from deep inside me. It was the sum of all the sleepless nights, hungry days, and humiliating blows that had been taken for the sake of ...