Lyra's POV
The gymnasium emptied like a dam bursting. Killian stormed out first after my deliberate defiance, his jaw clenched with barely controlled rage. The others followed in his wake like scattered leaves. Xander limped toward the infirmary with Kenji supporting his weight, blood still trickling from his split lip. Ash draped his arm over Gwen's shoulder, favoring his left side where Xander had landed that brutal hit. He didn't spare me a single glance as they disappeared through the doorway.
Then silence crashed down around me like a tidal wave.
For the first time in weeks, I welcomed the emptiness. The heavy slam of the final door echoed through the cavernous space, leaving me utterly alone on the practice mat where I had planted myself during my declaration against the Queen. Against my own mother.
