Lyra's Pov

The moon hung heavy in the sky and the forest felt quiet around us except for our breathing. My heat had reached its peak hours ago and every part of me ached for Magnus in a way I could not fight anymore. I slowed my steps until I stopped in the center of a wide clearing where soft grass grew thick underfoot. He caught up easily and stood a few paces away watching me closely.

I turned to face him with my chest rising fast. "I cannot run anymore," I said softly. "My body will not let me."

Magnus took one step closer but waited. "You do not...