They were going to escape and leave Engel and the Geslack manor behind. Lyra's heart swelled with hope, and she followed after Theo with her his hand in hers, such foolish dreamers with their hopes perched high and their heads in the clouds. Their dreams of freedom and a life outside were quickly crushed when Engel made an appearance. I object, he'd said, words taut in the air liked a pulled bowstring. Lyra's eyes went wide and some of docile fear he'd craved into her heart returned, if Theo held her hand tightly enough, he'd feel it tremble. How was Engel standing? Did the healers work that quickly? Light was shed as he explained how they'd dug their own graves, and it was then Lyra realized that he was as smart and brilliant as he was perverse and cruel. She'd underestimated the Snake and now she and Theo would pay.<br/><br/>Engel approach them and her heart beat fearfully as her eyes glazed over the dried blood on his limb. Memories of the night before came back, Bremmington ice melted as her knees locked into place. She needed to do something, but fear was a powerful deterrent and while she'd mustered up some momentary courage to run away with Theo, it seemed that the brutal night in Engel's chambers had at least hammered enough fear and dark respect into her hard head.<br/><br/>Theo hit the ground. He was going to suffer because she'd asked him to help. Lyra's lower lip trembled and she took two steps so she'd be the one standing in front of his fallen form. "I asked him to help. It was my fault, don't hurt him." Engel grabbed her hand and the fear in her chest doubled, but she put on a brave face for the servant boy who'd taken a risk to help her. "It was my fault." Her lip trembled. "Spare him."