A gentle wave of calm washed over Elara, and she drifted back into her own bubble of serene happiness.
Lyra could hardly believe what she was hearing. There was no way she could keep listening to such a madwoman. And now, Elara was smiling, looking like a child about to receive a long-awaited present.
Lyra's eyes flicked back up to meet hers, and she flinched away in pure horror.
"I decided not to keep you forever, Lyra," Elara said with a bright, chilling smile. "I will let you go. You can run wherever you want, and I won't stop you or ever look for you again."
Lyra frowned, a cold dread settling deep in her bones once more.
"But... you'll have to leave the child behind before I give you your freedom."
Elara had finally stated her price. Lyra began to shake her head frantically, refusing to even consider the condition.
"No! No!" she screamed. "Let me go! Just let me go! You won't take my baby from me!"
