The City of Glass appeared at sunset.

It was magnificent.

Every building was made of translucent crystal.

Golden light traveled through the streets.

Floating gardens surrounded enormous towers.

Music drifted across balconies.

Thousands of lanterns floated above the city.

For the first time since their journey began, Lyra felt almost safe.

Kael noticed.

"You like it."

"I love it."

"Good."

"You sound surprised."

"I've never seen you happy for more than five minutes."

She elbowed him.

"That's because you've been annoying me."

"Fair."

They entered through the eastern gate.

Seris disappeared into the crowd.

"We meet her at midnight," Kael said.

Lyra looked around.

"Then what?"

"Until midnight..."

He offered his hand.

"...we have a few hours."

She took it.

"Are you asking me on a date?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because dates are dangerous."

"More dangerous than monsters?"

"Much."

She laughed.

"Fine."

They wandered through the city.

They ate honey pastries.

They watched musicians perform on floating platforms.

They bought tiny lanterns containing miniature stars.

Eventually they reached a balcony overlooking the city.

Lyra rested her hands on the railing.

Kael stood beside her.

"Beautiful."

"Yes."

He looked at her.

"I wasn't talking about the city."

She turned.

"That was terrible."

"I know."

She smiled.

He stepped closer.

"You like terrible."

"I apparently do."

He kissed her.

This time there was no hesitation.

Lyra wrapped her arms around him.

For a moment, all the fear she'd been carrying disappeared.

Then Kael whispered:

"We should stop."

She looked at him.

"Why?"

"Because if we don't..."

He exhaled.

"...I don't think I'll want to."

Lyra smiled.

"Maybe that's the point."

He looked at her for a long moment.

Then gently touched her cheek.

"Not here."

She nodded.

"Not here."

They remained close.

Their foreheads touching.

The city glittered beneath them.