Chapter 86

The passage was dark, so Lyra turned her flashlight on. Right in front of her was a steep staircase that led downwards. She took the stairs slowly, alert for any sort of sound. After a few steps down, a different scent pierced through the stale air. “It's him!” Rae cried excitedly. “He is here!” Even before Rae was done with her exclamations, Lyra's heart was already beating excitedly as she began hurrying down the staircase. The farther she went, the stronger Julian's scent became. It was mingled with a strong scent of blood. He must be injured, but he was alive. He is alive! That was what mattered. Finally, Lyra got to the bottom of the staircase. She shone her flashlight around what appeared to be an empty chamber. Finally, the light fell on Julian sitting on the floor in a corner. Lyra rushed to him, tons of emotions coursing through her. She was about to throw herself at him but stopped at the last second as she noticed his state. He was shirtless, and there was a big wound on his