MATED TO MY BROTHER'S ENEMY
Dropped their spears, just standing there, looking like they might puke at the sight of that nasty altar.
Lyra didn’t even break stride. She just strode right through the mess, all calm and unbothered, her silk tunic still spotless (how does she do that?!). She spotted this girl, Joy, kneeling by the supply wagons, face all smeared up with dirt and tears pouring down. The kind of cry that comes with remembering something you wish you could forget.
“Joy,” Lyra said, dropping next to her like she’d practiced it. “I remember you. You made those honey cakes for my birthday when I turned sixteen.” Her voice was soft, a little shaky, but she meant every word.