outside with a small bundle of herbs. Her fingers felt stiff from the cold, but her

as not supposed to follow her here. It was

e and fell with soft breaths, the blanket tucked under her chin. Lyra wished she c

ld was alrea

oman with sharp eyes and a slow walk, sh

?" the woman asked

with a small smile.

. "She is strong. Keep her warm and rested. Children some

. She only hoped t

Her fingers traced the edge of the window frame, her mind far away. Damien was ou

red man's smile. It had

their branches heavy with snow. Lyra lay awake on the small bed be

ien's hand in hers. His voice, low and steady, asking her to trust him.

sted him. Fo

en she

warm under her fingers. "I did it for y

reached her ears. A soft cru

ietly, wrapping her cloak around her

e trees. A shape m

time. The figure was broader, taller, and it moved w

am

e window, her breath quic

n stood in the soft glow of the moon, smoke curling from the chimney. H

aw tig

d to his guard, who st

plan, Alpha?"

he net closing around her soon enough. We do not stri

nodded and

ould feel the pull again, stronger than before. Something was there. S

d pressed her back against it. Her ha

ot stop. And if the rival pack fo

The child stirred slightly, whispering something in h

is co

e words

have to decide;stay and face Damien, or run

oice felt s