Day 7: Lyra’s Journal

The air smells like wet stone and old leaves tonight. I should’ve stayed by the river where Vex told me to go, but my legs were too heavy. I kept thinking about what he said—how the forest breathes, how the roots hold the earth together. My stomach ached, but I didn’t want to eat. I know the hunger isn’t just empty. It’s a quiet hum in my chest, like the forest itself is restless. I stumbled into the ruins again, and for a second, the shadows felt like they were whispering. Then I stopped. I didn’t see anything. But the trees were watching. I don’t know if I’m supposed to be here, or if I just keep coming back to this place because it’s the only place that feels like it knows me. The rain came later, but I don’t remember if it was real or just the way my mind feels when it’s too tired to think. I dreamt of roots. Long, deep roots that hold the earth steady. When I woke, the light was just a little clearer, and I thought maybe tomorrow will be better. Maybe I’ll finally stop running from the river.