Super short chapter this time, guys. Sorry about that D: I wrote this in the span of an hour or so and I really just wanted to get this up.

PLOT TWISTS (and winter) ARE COMING UP WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF CHAPTERS, WOOHOO!

Thanks to Charlotte K for the beta!

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Enjoy! Mwah!

Lyra

The tunnel's gate opened in front of them, the chains groaning and the wood creaking. The torches blazed in their hands, and she couldn't help but think that the fire would melt down the entire structure. She almost laughed at that, but the laughter died on her lips when she saw Jon's serious face out of the corner of her eye. The flickering light from the torches cast an eerie glow over him, making him look almost inhuman.

Lyra sighed quietly and switched the torch to her other hand. She tried to act casual around him, but she couldn't look at him the same way ever since what happened the night before. It was a stupid mistake. You should have slammed the door in his face. He brought your favourite wine and he was without a shirt; you knew it would end badly.

But that stupid Jon Snow, with his puppy dog eyes and his easy charm. She stole another look at him out of the corner and resisted the urge to smack him right across the face. It's your fault, bastard, Lyra decided. If he hadn't shown up, she wouldn't have told him the truth, and she wouldn't have offered to let him bed her. If he hadn't shown up, he never would have actually accepted.

Fuck you, Jon Snow.

The Lannister sucked in a deep breath at the sight in front of her. So this is it, she mused. Beyond the Wall. Never had she seen something so vast, untouched, pure. The landscape in front of her was somehow more astounding and breathtaking than the Wall itself, yet she couldn't help but want to scurry back to Castle Black. The Wall is safe…it's why you came here in the first place. Beyond, it was wild and untamed…and dangerous.

It seemed like forever until they finally reached the heart tree. By the time they arrived, her legs ached from trudging in and out of the thick snow. She practically collapsed on her knees in front of the tree. The red sap trickled down the tree's face, making it look like it was crying blood. It both alarmed her and amazed her; it was almost as if she could feel the gods' presence. She'd never been in a real godswood before, but she'd seen one or two heart trees in her sixteen years. She had never cared much about them; to her, they had always been just another tree with a special name. But up North…here, it was different. Up North, the gods actually had powers.

Jon kneeled next to her, his expression solemn. Samwell kneeled on Snow's other side, a nervous air around him. "This is it," Lyra muttered, more to herself than anyone. You're about to become the first Sworn Sister of the Night's Watch…in theory. From under her lashes, she watched the knights gather around them to witness their vows. No backing out now, Lee.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, silently sending out a prayer. I know I've lied, and I know I've dishonored myself, but I'm here to change that. I'm putting my past behind me, and I can only hope you will do the same…The girl wrinkled her nose. Was that how you prayed? She figured it must have been similar to praying to the Seven. But when was the last time she had prayed to Them?

"Hear my words, and bear witness to my vow. Night gathers, and now my watch begins. It shall not end until my death. I shall take no wife-" Husband. "Hold no lands, father-" Mother. "-no children. I shall wear no crowns and win no glory. I shall live and die at my post. I am the sword in the darkness. I am the watcher on the walls. I am the shield that guards the realm of men. I pledge my life and honor to the Night's Watch for this night…and all the nights to come,"

The heart tree seemed to be mocking her. A wide, toothless grin was carved into the tree and it stared at her through half-closed eyes. Welcome to the rest of your life. She could have sworn she heard cackling echo through the forest, sending shudders down her spine. You're just imagining things, Lee.

"You knelt as boys," Bowen Marsh declared. Sure…boys. "Rise- as men of the Night's Watch," Lyra was the first to hop up, a sigh of relief escaping her lips. Jon stood up next and helped Sam to his feet. The three looked at each other for a moment before their faces broke out into grins. They enveloped each other in a tight hug, laughing like little children. The trio hugged the other knights and shook their hands. The older men murmured words of encouragement and congratulations. You did it, Lyra Lannister. Welcome to the Watch.

Ghost entered the clearing, panting loudly, his tail wagging back and forth. "What's he got there?" Tarly asked, squinting to get a better look. What was in the direwolf's mouth was bonelike, although Lyra wasn't too sure from this distance.

Snow crouched down and reached out toward the wolf. "To me, Ghost," He commanded quietly. "Bring it here," Ghost trotted towards him and placed the object at his feet.

Lyra's green eyes widened. "Bloody hell!" She breathed, dropping down on the floor next to the Stark bastard.

"Gods be good!" Sam squeaked. The hand was covered in soot, dirt and grime. Underneath, the skin was a sickly and pale white, almost blue. Despite being cut off…there was no blood. The Stark words were all she could think of as she stared at the cold, dead hand. Why do you Starks always have to be right in the end?