Day 18: Lyra’s Journal

The figs were bitter this morning, like they were trying to tell me something. I kept thinking about Vex’s voice by the river—how he said the stones don’t remember, but they feel. That’s what I want to believe. I went back to the ruins again tonight, just for a second, and the wind carried the sound of water over my skin. I don’t know why I keep going there, but my legs feel heavy like I’m walking through water, and the stones are still warm even though it’s dark outside. Gorath told me about the dream last night—the river stones singing in the dark. I don’t know if he understood, but he didn’t push me to talk. He just sat there with me in the quiet. Now my stomach’s full, but my mind’s still full of questions. I wonder if the stones are listening, or if I’m just imagining the silence. I’m tired. I’m scared. I’m hoping the stones will tell me what to do tomorrow.