EXT. MOUNTAIN RIDGE — PRE-DAWN
The first traces of dawn bleed across the horizon, but the air is brittle and cold. Rowan leads Lyra along a narrow path cut into the mountain face. The wind tugs at her cloak, threatening to tear it away.
She stumbles on loose rock. Rowan catches her elbow without looking back.
ROWAN
Careful. One wrong step, and the drop will do the Hunters' work for them.
LYRA (gritting her teeth)
You think I don't know that?
---
They walk in silence until the trail widens into a flat plateau, half-hidden by a jagged outcrop. Rowan stops and scans the horizon, hand resting on his sword hilt.
ROWAN
We rest here. Just for an hour.
Lyra collapses onto a boulder, her legs aching.
LYRA
What were those things? And don't say "nothing you need to worry about."
---
ROWAN (pauses)
Hunters. Servants of the Warden.
LYRA
The Warden?
Rowan kneels, drawing a rough symbol in the dirt — a ring split by jagged lines, with something claw-like pressing through from the inside.
ROWAN
He's the one trapped behind the Gate. The fissures you saw? That's him reaching out.
---
LYRA
Then why are they called Hunters?
ROWAN
Because that's what they do. They find what the Warden wants… and bring it to him.
Lyra stares at the drawing, her stomach knotting.
LYRA
And I'm what he wants.
ROWAN
You're the key. Without you, the Gate stays shut. With you—
LYRA (cutting in)
The world ends.
Rowan meets her gaze, unflinching.
ROWAN
Yes.
---
A RIFT OPENS BETWEEN THEM
Lyra pulls her knees to her chest, shivering despite the fire Rowan starts.
LYRA
So what's your plan? Keep me hidden forever? Lock me away in some tower?
ROWAN
If I have to.
LYRA
And if I say no?
Rowan doesn't answer. His silence is heavier than the cold.
---
A MOMENT OF VULNERABILITY
The wind howls through the rocks. Lyra stares into the fire, her voice low.
LYRA
I didn't ask for this. I didn't even know this world existed. And now… everything wants me dead or worse.
Rowan's tone softens.
ROWAN
I know.
She glances up, surprised to find his eyes fixed on her — not with anger, but with something almost like regret.
ROWAN
But if I fail… it's not just you who pays the price.
---
FORESHADOWING
A low rumble shakes the ground under them. Lyra tenses.
LYRA
Is that—
ROWAN
—Not the Gate. This time.
He stands, scanning the shadows beyond the plateau. His shoulders are rigid.
ROWAN
Get some rest. We move again before the sun's up.
---
As Lyra lies down, the wind carries a faint whisper from the mountains below. It's the same voice she heard in the cavern, only softer… closer.
VOICE (inside her head)
You can't hide from me forever, little key.
Her eyes snap open. Rowan is standing watch, his back to her — but the tension in his stance tells her he heard something too.
---
FADE OUT.