Lyra's POV
I remained motionless on my bed, my gaze fixed on the empty space before me. The same thought circled through my mind relentlessly: why had the remedy been effective initially but failed during our second attempt?
The explanation seemed clear once I allowed myself to consider it properly. The components. We hadn't relied on Silas or Celeste's collection. Not entirely. The majority had come from the deceased witch's supply. Most of the herbs, most of the ground powders, even the root had been hers. Materials from someone who possessed genuine magical abilities.
Naturally they had been effective. Remnants of her power likely still clung to them. Some had surely been enhanced through alchemy. Magic adhering to withered leaves and crushed flower petals like lingering essence. This was the sole rational explanation.
