ough, but it was strong, and she felt her whole body go still. The crowd kept

urned

yes, the same presence that made others bow their heads. Time had not softene

aid again, so

llowed.

, warm and unshaking. "Four years," he said. "Fo

ispered. Her voice was steady, but her heart was

small bundle of moonleaf she clu

ed to know," sh

flicked over her cloak, her hands, her face, a

last and stepped back. "This

t, the harsh lines in his face softened, and the memory

leave?" he a

ached. "Not h

hout a word, and now you return during the full moon festival. Do yo

eping her voice low so the cr

. "I will find out, Lyra. Whatever you are hiding, I will know."He knew

forced herself to turn away. "Then

lowed her as she reached the edge of the forest. Her hands were shaking when she held t

g him in. She's determined to ke

wolf stirred restlessly inside him. He had seen the look in her eyes.

told him she had