LYRA

I barely slept. Every time I closed my eyes I saw Riven's face flashed in my mind or I saw the black feather on my bedside table.

By the time dawn broke through my window I had given up on rest entirely.

Elda and Maren arrived with worried expressions and their usual silence. They helped me dress in a simple grey gown, something that wouldn't draw attention, and braided my hair back from my face. I let them work without speaking. What was there to say?

The dining hall was already full ...