About that... I think I might have an idea.
Lugh had said those words to Lyra, the ones still ringing in her ears.
She looked at him, brow furrowing, then asked directly,
"So… what's the plan?"
Lugh exhaled, recalling the events of the night before. He had been the one to tell Cassius this—and now, from the way things were unfolding, it looked like he might also be the one expected to see it through.
He spoke, voice low.
"Well, for one, we could ace the selection... without using magic."
Lyra tilted her head in confusion. Then slowly, gradually, understanding dawned.
Her eyes widened.
"Ahhhh! I see."
But before she could say more, a voice interrupted. A deep, resonant baritone neither of them recognized.
"Do you think the selection is a game?"
The tone was not one of curiosity—it was disapproval, cold and clear.
Both Lugh and Lyra turned their heads at once.
At the top of the luxurious winding staircase, an elf stood.
