I sensed the precise instant Lyra made the decision to release her grip. Every thought, emotion, and sensation slammed into me like a tidal surge.
My attention wavered during the fight with Thorne as I looked up and watched my entire world collapse—Lyra had fallen into the portal.
Thorne seized the opportunity, tackled me hard to the ground, and pinned me as he aimed straight for my neck.
All of my strength was focused on keeping him off me, holding him back—until Luke came sprinting over and jumped onto his back, giving me the opening I needed to escape.
“Move, Luke,” I barked. Luke immediately jumped off of Thorne and retreated to a safer distance.
I charged at Thorne and managed to knock him down, but he got to his feet almost immediately.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Luke w
