Lyra could feel the creature’s struggles against the mattress; strength against magic.  She was surprised that the mare hadn’t tried to cast a spell—there were dozens that would effectively negate the threat.  Still, she wasn’t going to bemoan her good fortune.  As Dale picked himself up off the floor, Lyra felt the creature’s struggles get weaker.  She lightened her hold on the mattress—it was in nopony’s interest to cause permanent injury to the alien mare.  Finally, she pulled the mattress back, letting it fall to the ground.  She kept her eye on the mare, watching for her reaction.  It was not what she’d expected.