Liam
A year had passed, and I had nothing to show for it.
Lyra was gone, Randall Varynthorn was a ghost, and he had taken her to a place where no one could find. I had chased every trail I could find, but it led nowhere and only served to highlight my failure.
My only constant companion was the pain that I felt. It wasn't just a headache; it was a physical hammer driving against my skull, and it left me clinging to the walls for balance every time.
I stood up from my chair, the sudden movement nearly sending me to my knees. It was time for my daily confrontation.
I walked the path to the dungeon, past the guards, who stood at attention, and stopped at a cell, the heavy iron bars separating me from her.
My sister.
Elena.
She looked up the moment my shadow fell across the floor.
