The room fell into a heavy silence as soon as the door clicked shut. Finally, the world outside was gone, and Elara felt a sense of peace she hadn't known for six months. She had exactly what she wanted.
She didn't wait. Every second spent apart had been a debt Lyra owed her, and Elara was known to collect with interest.
She stepped forward and pulled Lyra against her, her hands roaming over the soft, familiar body she had missed so much. Though she was more fragile than Elara remembered, it was certainly her Lyra.
She leaned in and kissed her deeply, a hungry attempt to reclaim what belonged to her. But Lyra didn't give in this time. She didn't melt. Instead, she struggled, her small hands pushing weakly against Elara's chest. Then, a sharp sting cut through the kiss. Lyra had bitten her.
Elara pulled back, the metallic taste of blood filling her mouth. Instead of getting angry, she felt a wave of amusement.
