Chapter 14Lyra's povThe Academy cloisters were usually pristine, smelling of beeswax and old vellum. Today, they felt like a tomb. As I slipped down the rear spiral staircase, a narrow passage used mostly by the kitchen staff, the commotion grew louder. Voices echoed off the high stone arches ahead: harsh commands, the scraping of iron gurneys, and the low, collective murmur of frightened faculty.I reached the arched threshold of the North Conservatory, a massive glass domed room filled with rare, nocturnal flora. Now, the glass overhead was dark, reflecting the flickering torches of a dozen gathered Sentinels.I ducked behind a massive, potted shadow-fern, its long fronds providing perfect cover. Through the leaves, I could see the center of the room, where the rare moon-lilies usually bloomed. The lilies had been crushed into a pale, slimy pulp.In their place lay a body.It was Master Harrison, the head of the Astrological Order. He was slumped against the central stone fountain
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