Author's note: I do not own His Dark Materials.
Will breathed one final word. "Ready."
He'd had a long, satisfying life, but it was over now and he knew what came next. He was at peace with it.
The next thing he knew, he was back in the world of the dead. It had been so long since he was there, but he could never forget the sight and smell and feel of the place.
No one was moving. Something was off. Will knew it, even if no one else did. They shouldn't be stopped. They shouldn't be held here. He struggled through the mess of people, feeling as though he were shedding years on his way. He didn't understand. What was wrong? Had the portal been closed off?
And then he saw her.
He knew it was her instantly. The glint in her eyes.
Lyra.
She saw him and stopped mid-sentence. She ran to him and he threw his arms around her.
"I've been waiting for you, Will."
The harpies became restless.
"What's wrong? What's going on? Why are they upset?"
"It's the first time I've stopped in the middle of a story. I've been here for ages telling them stories." She hesitated. "Come on." She took his hand and led him to the rock she had been sitting on. He sat at her feet, still touching her, but just barely. He watched. He listened.
Time didn't matter. Lyra sat there, telling everyone her stories. Lyra could tell stories forever with Will by her side. Finally, they were back where they were meant to be—together.