LYRA

I gasped and woke up, my eyes snapping open. I was still lying on the bed, and it was already morning. The servants had entered my room and pulled back the curtains, allowing the graceful, radiant sunlight to pour in. The rays blurred my vision as I raised a hand to shield my face.

It was only when the light shifted that I noticed Blade sitting next to me. My body tensed, and I quickly ran my fingers through my messy hair in an attempt to look presentable. Why is he here?

Am I ...