LYRA

A blur, like a haze, formed in front of my eyes. Was I dizzy? Had I fainted from the way I'd been trapped? I couldn't tell.

There were several people around me—faces unclear-sprinkling water over my face and eyes. I blinked twice, rubbed my eyelids, and slowly, everything began to focus.

The very first thing I saw... was Blade.

Without a second of hesitation, I threw my arms around him like a child clinging to safety. He held me tight—so tight I felt like he would never let go. ...