Chapter 25. The Secret Becomes Clear

The darkness lulled her, offering such long-awaited peace. Lyra had not felt fear, anxiety, or anything for many years. It was as if she had lost all her emotions, and in this darkness, she felt good. "May it always be like this," she thought. But somewhere in her consciousness, she heard a voice calling her softly, barely audible, urging her to wake up. Someone needed her too much. The voice became louder and soon reached a falsetto, like an annoying mosquito irritating her receptors.

Lyra opened her eyes. The light cut through, and it was painful. The pain was not only in her eyes, but her whole body was aching. It was as if someone had broke all her bones and put them back, but not in the proper order. Lyra attempted to open her eyes again, very slowly. "She's awake," someone announced her arrival into this world.

"Lyra, my dear, how are you feeling?" the Empress leaned over the girl.

"It hurts," the girl croaked, barely moving her dry lips.

"Where does it