Lyra's eyes fluttered open, and she was greeted by the familiar sight of Kael's face. He was sitting beside her, his eyes watching her with a mixture of concern and intensity.
"Where am I?" Lyra asked, her voice still groggy from sleep.
"You're in a safe house," Kael replied, his voice low and soothing. "You're protected here."
Lyra's eyes narrowed. "Protected from what?" she asked.
Kael's face was grim. "From those who seek to harm you," he said. "You're in grave danger, Lyra."
Lyra's mind was racing. What did Kael mean? And who was trying to harm her?
Suddenly, memories began to flood back. Memories of the strange occurrences that had been happening around her. Memories of the figure that had attacked her in the alleyway.
Lyra's eyes locked onto Kael's. "You know something, don't you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kael's eyes seemed to bore into her soul. "I know everything," he said.
Lyra's heart skipped a beat. What did Kael mean? And what did he know about her?
"Tell me," Lyra said, her voice firm. "Tell me what's going on."
Kael's face was grim. "You're not who you think you are, Lyra," he said. "You're not even human."
Lyra's eyes widened in shock. What did Kael mean? And what was he talking about?