Lyra's POV
The dream slipped away as harsh morning light stabbed through my closed eyelids. I squeezed them shut tighter and buried my face deeper into the pillow. The brightness refused to fade. Persistent and cruel.
"What the hell?" I groaned and forced my eyes open.
Sunlight flooded every corner of the room. Someone had ripped the curtains wide open. I squinted against the assault and struggled to focus. A figure stood near the window. Dark against the blazing sun.
My vision cleared gradually. The silhouette sharpened into Doctor Celeste.
But she looked completely different. Transformed.
