LYRA

A sudden knock on the door jolted me from my panic. I took a deep breath, steeling myself, and moved to open it. 

Had Blade come through? Just the thought of him sent a shiver down my spine. 

I swung the door open, and to my surprise, Ryder stood there. 

"Hello, Lyra," he greeted me warmly. 

"Uh… are you okay?" he asked, concern evident in his voice. 

It was only then that I realized why—he had noticed the terror on my face. 

Wiping the sweat from my forehead, I ...