LYRA

Morning assembly came too early. I dragged myself to the Grand Hall with Mira at my side, both of us exhausted from a sleepless night. Every shadow had seemed darker after what happened to Isla. Every creak of the castle made us jump.

Isla hadn't returned. Rumor said she was still in the healing wing, sedated and refusing to speak.

Madame Corvina stood at the front of the hall, her expression even more severe than usual. That was never a good sign.

"Ladies," she began without greeting, ...