Kael moved before Lyra could react.

He pushed her behind him.

Guards flooded the ballroom.

Another shot.

A chandelier exploded.

Glass rained from the ceiling.

Lyra raised her lantern.

The assassin appeared on a balcony.

Silver mask.

Black cloak.

The same figure from the temple.

Seris shouted:

"Don't let her escape!"

The assassin jumped.

Kael ran.

Lyra followed.

They raced through the palace.

Doors slammed.

Guards shouted.

The assassin moved impossibly fast.

She reached a balcony.

Kael caught her.

They fought.

Steel flashed.

The assassin knocked his sword away.

Lyra raised her lantern.

The assassin froze.

She stared at Lyra.

Then whispered:

"Mother."

Lyra stopped.

"What?"

The assassin removed her mask.

She was crying.

"You look exactly like her."

Lyra couldn't breathe.

"Who?"

"Seraphine."

The assassin looked at Kael.

"You really kept your promise."

Kael stared.

"Who are you?"

The woman smiled sadly.

"Someone who died twelve years ago."

Then she stepped backward.

And vanished into the clouds.

Lyra ran to the balcony.

Nothing.

Only lanterns drifting beneath them.

Kael joined her.

"Lyra."

She turned.

"She said my mother's name."

"I know."

"She knew you."

"I know."

"She said she died."

Kael was silent.

Lyra's voice broke.

"What aren't you telling me?"

He looked at her.

"Everything."