Chapter One – The First Step Toward Grey
Some journeys begin with an ordinary morning.
But Lyra's didn't.
Everything had happened so fast that Lyra still hadn't shaken off the shock.
She felt like she was inside a fantasy novel.
But this was different—different from every book she had ever read, every film she had ever watched.
The world around her wasn't blue or white, as she had imagined. It was wrapped in a shroud of grey mist.
Yes, she was above the clouds. But these weren't soft whites or bright blues…
They were grey—just like her eyes.
Though the air was warm, Lyra was trembling.
She couldn't stop the shiver deep inside her.
Like a frightened cat, she had curled into herself.
Yes, she was afraid.
But strangely, she also felt like she belonged here.
Every glance at Alice, standing quietly beside her, gave her a little more strength, a little more clarity.
And yet, she had only known her for a few hours.
Alice leaned down gently, meeting Lyra's gaze.
Her hands reached out with quiet tenderness, brushing through Lyra's hair.
Compassion and love poured from her eyes.
When she looked at Lyra, it felt as if she were looking at her own daughter.
Everyone around could feel it.
"Are you ready?" she whispered.
Lyra nodded, fearfully. Her grey eyes welled with tears.
Fear and curiosity had tangled inside her, forming something strange and unfamiliar in her chest.
Then, the three women—three goddesses—spoke in unison, with one single voice:
"Step into the circle, Lyra."
Lyra looked at Alice one last time.
Alice gave a slight nod.
Slowly, Lyra began to walk toward the white circle at the center.
She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and swallowed hard.
A single tear slid down her cheek.
She didn't even dare to wipe it away.
She just stood there, and waited—for whatever woul
d come next.
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Five hours earlier...