Lyra's POV
Darkness had settled over the campus when I finally opened my eyes. I cursed under my breath, realizing I'd wasted an entire day sulking in the woods instead of attending classes. My legs trembled as I forced myself to stand, every muscle protesting the movement.
The campus lights guided me back through the forest toward my dormitory. Each step up the concrete stairs sent sharp pains through my body, and by the time I reached my room, I could barely keep myself upright. I stumbled through the door and collapsed onto Poppy's fluffy pink rug with a heavy thud.
My roommate gasped from where she'd been studying on her bed, immediately dropping her textbook and rushing to my side. Her hands found my elbows, gently pulling me into a sitting position.
"What happened to you?" Her voice carried genuine concern as she examined my disheveled appearance. "Was it Xander? Are you hurt? Should I call the nurse? Or maybe Professor Thornevale?"
