Seeing Alex again, after a long time, had changed something inside me. I wasn't lost anymore. I was more like a plant that had finally been able to absorb a bit of sunlight even when I was receiving it during the night. I was still weak, but at least I was turning green again. But even that was a huge improvement compared to how I was before.
But my life was still confined like before. I had a tiny bit of freedom, like being allowed to walk in the park, but if I wanted to go anywhere else, I had to ask Elara for permission. It made me feel like a child asking to cross the street.
When Caroline texted me, I almost tripped over myself to say yes.
—Lyra, are you free tonight?
—I had plans with a friend, but they canceled at the last minute.
—I have a reservation at that Foreign place that's impossible to get into. I don't want to waste it!
