Day 11: Lyra’s Journal

The stars are so bright tonight, like scattered glass beads in the dark. I keep thinking about Vex and what he said by the river—the way his voice was low and the water was cold. I don’t know why I keep going back to the old ruins, but I do. It’s like the ground there hums, and I can’t help but feel like I’m standing in the middle of something bigger than me. My stomach’s still a little heavy, but I’m not hungry anymore. I’m just tired. The air smells different at night—like wet moss and something else, something that makes me want to run but also stay still. I had this strange feeling earlier, like the world was whispering to me. Not words, but a warmth in my chest, like a promise. I wonder if the dead watch over us, or if we’re just the ones who don’t know how to listen. I don’t want to sleep yet, but my head’s so heavy. Maybe tomorrow I’ll find out what’s really out there.