Chapter 17

But the pain and torment were far from over. The wind howled, blowing against Lyra and swinging her body wildly from side to side until she smacked hard against the face of the building. In no time, bruises bloomed across her skin. Her face had drained of color. Her eyes were glassy, and her clothes were damp with sweat. Lyra was unraveling, on the verge of madness. Her throat could only force out broken, meaningless screams, never forming a single clear apology. Garrick, standing off to the side, was already losing patience at this point. He frowned. The bodyguards understood at once. One of them gave the rope binding Lyra a hard shake and warned, "Apologize to Mrs. Ironvale now, or you'll die dangling here!" The words snapped Lyra out of it. Her lips quivered uncontrollably. Regret and dread crashed over her in waves. Finally, she said, "I'm… sorry. Kaelis, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have hurt you." At first, her apology was stiff and awkward, but the more she repeated it, the s