The silence between them was as thick as the fog rising from the depths of the cave. Lyra sat wrapped in the cloak he had given her, eyes fixed on the dying embers of the fire. River moved quietly, precise, disciplined. He adjusted his worn, torn pants, barely holding together, gathered the remaining fruit in a dark cloth, and smothered the fire with cold dirt until no trace was left. It was as if he were preparing to disappear from the world, and take her with him.

When he was done, he turned t