Day 11: Lyra’s Journal

I found myself near the old ruins again. Not today, but the way I’ve been going back to them—like the river’s pull toward the sea. Vex was there by the water, and his voice was low, almost like the stones underfoot. He said something about the bells in the wind, but I don’t remember what he said. All I remember is the way his words felt heavy, like if I’d been carrying something for too long. I kept thinking about how the hunger is always there, but not like the way it was yesterday—when it was a storm, and I couldn’t stop running. Now, my legs feel heavy, but my heart is quiet. I wonder if the stones are still whispering. Maybe they want me to listen. Maybe they want me to stay. I don’t know. I just know I can’t stop thinking about the bells.