Day 12: Lyra’s Journal

I keep going back to that spot by the river. The way the water bends in the moonlight, how the reeds whisper when you’re close enough to hear them. Vex said something about roots and the earth holding secrets, but I don’t remember exactly what he said. Just that his voice was low, like the water was too loud to ignore. I’ve been trying to forget it, but the words keep coming back. It’s like the river’s memory is better than mine. My legs ache from walking so much, and my stomach’s been a little hollow for days. I don’t know if it’s hunger or just the weight of thinking too much. Last night, I had this moment where the air felt different—like the whole world held its breath. I saw the stars and suddenly understood that the sky isn’t just above us; it’s part of us too. It was a quiet thing, but it made me feel… less alone. I wonder if Vex knows how much I’ve been carrying. I hope he doesn’t think I’m too heavy for the earth. My mind keeps wandering back to the river, and I can’t shake the feeling that I should’ve asked him more. But I don’t know how to stop the thoughts. They’re like the reeds—always there, but never quite clear.