LYRA

Panic rippled through the group again, I saw several girls go pale and others exchange worried glances. Everyone had secrets they wanted to keep hidden, histories they had embellished or conveniently forgotten, and now we would all be forced to reveal everything under magical scrutiny that wouldn't accept half truths or clever omissions.

Hanna's voice rose above the frightened whispers, smug and triumphant. "Finally we'll see who truly belongs here, who has the bloodlines worthy of ...