Chapter 60

JAMES

Lyra and Andrew both turn to me with stunned expressions. “What? I used to be a kid once,” I say, frankly a little offended.

“Can you remember enough of the story to tell me?” Lyra asks and I notice that the flames burning around her fists are starting to simmer out.

Andrew scoffs at her request. “How is a children’s story going to be informative?”

Just then Lyra’s hands burst back into flames and Andrew raises his hands and backs away from her slowly. Grabbing her hand, I ignore the flames that are burning my skin. I lead her to the couch and gesture for her to sit down. Propping several pillows behind her, I pull her feet on my lap, and begin to massage them before I start the story. Andrew is glaring at me from the kitchen, and I stick my tongue out at him in defiance.

“Once upon a time,” I begin before Andrew interrupts.

“Can you just give the short details?&rdqu