Visha, Uri, and Xeno knew it was unlikely that Krag and Chi were lying. However, when Visha asked Lyra the question, they didn't see panic on her face. They saw the complexity of emotions that crossed her face.
It was obvious she wanted to believe that her parents were fine. But based on what she had seen before, she refused to believe it. Her confusion, hope, anxiety, and fear were all laid bare. She opened her mouth to speak, but stopped. It was clear she was unsure of what to say.
"That's impossible. I'm not lying," Lyra twisted her fingers. "I saw them. They were beaten and thrown into prison. I saw them with my own eyes."
Her breathing was accelerating. Her eyes were drifting from one face to the other. She was obviously anxious. Cato came up to stand beside her. He reached his hand around her shoulder, pulling her into him. He rubbed her back, soothing her.
