Lyra's POV
Sleep had claimed me in that cold cell, but consciousness returned with the harsh clang of keys against metal. My eyelids felt heavy as they opened, struggling to focus on the guard yanking my cell door wide. I pushed myself upright from the uncomfortable bench where I had curled up, my body aching from the awkward position.
"Move it, Cooper," the guard's voice cut through my grogginess like a blade. "Your trial begins now."
The words hit me like ice water. I stared at him in disbelief, my mind still foggy from sleep. Standing slowly, I smoothed down the wrinkled sweatsuit I had worn to class yesterday. Of all the days to dress casually, it had to be this one. My hands remained bound as I shuffled forward, the guard's grip on my shoulder steering me toward what I assumed would be the exit.
