Chapter 8

Chapter eight, The others quickly fell asleep but Lyra tossed and turned, her thoughts jumping about between Misty and the treasure map. The night felt like it was going on forever. At five o'clock she sat up and looked through the window at the stars twinkling in the frosty sky. A full moon was shining down. I can't stay in bed any longer, she thought. I've got to see Misty and say I'm sorry. She quietly pulled on her jodhpurs and hoodie and crept out of the dorm. The early-morning air was icy-cold and her breath froze in white clouds as she ran across the grass towards the stables. As she got closer, she paused. A unicorn with a long purple and green mane was creeping through the stable yard. "Misty!" Lyra exclaimed. "Where are you going?" Misty jumped guiltily. "Lyra!" "What's going on?" Lyra ran over, her feet crunching on the grass. Misty hung her head and mumbled, "I… I'm going home." "Going home?" Lyra stared at her. "What do you mean?" Misty gulped. "I'm missing my family and, well… I think you'd be happier if you were paired with another unicorn. Someone brave and adventurous, like you." Lyra stared at her. "But I don't want any other unicorn. I want you. You're perfect for me." Misty shook her head. "I'm not. I'm boring." She heaved a sigh. "Don't

try to stop me, Lyra. It's best if I just go home." Lyra planted herself in front of her unicorn. "Stop right there. You're not going anywhere, Misty," she said forcefully. "I don't want another

unicorn and I'm really sorry about what I said yesterday. It was stupid of me. I was angry and I took it out on you, and that was wrong. You're not boring. You're brilliant and I love you!" Misty looked at her through her long eyelashes. "Really?" she said tentatively. "Really," Lyra told her. She put her arms round Misty's neck. "Please will you stay?" Misty rested her face against Lyra's chest and gave a deep, happy sigh. "Yes," she breathed. Lyra felt a rush of relief. "Thank you. I really couldn't bear it if you left. I'm so sorry you're feeling homesick." She stroked Misty's silky mane. "You told me you were missing your family and I should have listened. Is there anything I can do to help?" "Just knowing you want me to stay helps," said Misty softly. "I do miss my family but I won't miss them quite so much now I'm sure that you really want me to be your unicorn." "I really do, and anytime you want to talk about your family, I promise I'll listen," said Lyra. She kissed Misty's forehead. "I can't wait to meet them. And for you to meet my family too." They stood there for a long moment until Lyra realised that her toes and fingers were turning to ice. "We'd better go inside. It's freezing out here." They walked back to the stables, Lyra's arm over Misty's neck. Misty glanced at the still dark sky. "Why are you up so early?" she asked. "I couldn't sleep. I was thinking about you and wanting to say sorry and also thinking about the treasure map. I have to search those caves again in case we missed something but the others want to wait until the weekend." Lyra sighed. "I know it's only a few more days but yesterday our dorm was ransacked and I'm worried that someone else is also after the map." Misty stopped. "Then let's go now." Lyra frowned. "What?" "To the caves. You and me," said Misty, nuzzling her. "If you really want to go back there, then I'll come with you." "Really? Let's do it then! If we're quick, we might even be able to get back in time for the treasure hunt. I'll need to get my explorer's bag first, though; you know, the one with all my useful stuff like torches, a compass, supplies—"

"Go and get it," Misty interrupted. "Hurry!" A smile lit up Lyra's face. "Misty, you're the best!" Lyra hugged her then raced back to the school. Sienna, Evie and Ivy were still fast asleep as Lyra tiptoed in and took her rucksack from under her bed. But Evie, in the bed next to her, stirred as she picked it up. "Lyra?" Lyra froze. Sleepily Evie propped herself up, blinking at Lyra through the dark. "What are you doing?" "Nothing," Lyra whispered. "Go back to sleep." Evie nodded and curled up under her duvet again. With her heart beating at double speed, Lyra crept out of the dorm. She raced across the grass to where Misty was waiting. "Got it!" she whispered, holding up her bag. She vaulted on to Misty's back. "Let's go!"