s look like quiet guards waiting for something to happen. Lyra stood outside the cabin with a small basket in her

e, her tiny hands curled under her cheek like a restless pup. Lyra had kissed her before stepping out. She needed to gather m

r her boots sounded too loud. Every rustle of a bird taking flight made her pau

he wanted to admit. The way he had held her wrist. The way his ey

red to herself as she plucked a handf

that night years ago;the festival lights, the music, the he

of a branch ma

eyes scanning the trees. At first, there was nothing, only the soft drift of snow. T

down and took a step

len

hidden under her cloak. She h

m behind the trees. Not Damien. A stranger. Broad sho

tted. This was not

man said with a faint smirk. His voice was rough, ca

stand tall. "You are on

hat a welcome? I on

othing to

linted. "Not even

er veins. "What child?

ing sharp teeth. "The

w much did he know? How l

ice low but steady. "Leave. Now.

smiling, then slowly backed into th

d. Luna. He had call

were cold but her mind burned with fear. Is

u okay?" the li

my moonbeam. I just stayed o

s searched her mother's face with a wisdom

er hair. "I am not scared, love. I

r small voice barely a

froze.

ms," Isla said. "The one

, Isla," she whispered, tucking the bl

osed, the words echoed in her mi

in the distance, and smoke curled from a few chimneys in the hidde

following the faint scent trail he had caught during the night. It

e," one of th

back now? What was she hiding? And why did the air carry the faint, sweet scent o

" he ordered. "But keep your distance. I want to s