You tell us!

Read the excerpt from Philip Pullman's latest in The Book of Dust series, The Secret Commonwealth, and tell us what happens next by writing your own chapter in under 500 words.

Lyra borrowed a pencil and a piece of paper from George and drew three columns, one headed Things to do, the next Things to find out, and the third Things to stop worrying about. Then she and Miriam, and their two daemons, filled them in with suggestions and ideas as they ate. Miriam finished the currant bun, and by the time they'd covered the paper she was almost cheerful.

'There,' said Lyra. 'It's always a good idea to come to George's. St. Sophia's breakfasts are very high-minded. As for Jordan...'

'I bet they're not austers like ours.'

'Socking great silver chafing-dishes full of kedgeree or devilled kidneys or kippers. Must keep the young gentlemen in the style to which they're accustomed. Lovely, but I wouldn't want it every day.'

'Thank you, Lyra,' said Miriam. 'I feel much better. You were quite right.'

'So what are you going to do now?'

'Go and see Dr Bell. Then write home.'

Dr Bell was Miriam's moral tutor, a sort of pastoral guide and mentor. She was brusque but kindly woman; she'd know what the college could do to help.

'Good,' said Lyra. 'And tell me what happens.'

'I will,' Miriam promised.

Lyra sat there for a few minutes after Miriam had gone, chatting to George, regretfully turning down his offer of work in the Christmas vacations, finishing her print mug of tea. But eventually came the time when she and Pan were alone again.

'What time did he tell you?' she said to him, meaning Miriam's daemon.

'What she's really worried about is her boyfriend. She doesn't know how to tell him because she thinks he won't like her if she isn't rich. He's at Cardinal's. Some kind of aristocrat.'

'So we spent all that time and effort and she didn't even tell me the thing she was worried about most? I don't think much of that,' Lyra said, gathering up her shabby coat. 'And if that's how he feels, he's not worth it anyway. Pan, I'm sorry,' she said, surprising herself as much as him. 'You were just going to tell me what you saw last night and I didn't have time to answer before.' She waved to George as they left.

'I saw someone being murdered,' he said. 

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⏳TIMELINE:

- Deadline to enter this contest is 31st December.

📜SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

1) This contest is solo and open to all.

2) The entered story must be under 500 words in English.

3) In order to participate, you must have an account on Wattpad.

To write your story:

4) All entries must be tagged with #TheSecretCommonwealth to be eligible for the prizes.

Also, include #TheSecretCommonwealth in the title of your story.

Please do share the link to your entry in the comments section below.

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6) Entries will be evaluated on the basis of Concept, Creativity, and Language by the hosts.

The decision of the judges will be final and binding.

✅Eligibility Requirements:

• Entrant must be an Indian resident.

• Should be 14 or above age to participate.

• Your story must follow the challenge theme.

🏆PRIZES:

• One winner stands a chance to win a copy of Philip Pullman's The Book of Dust: The Secret Commonwealth!

• Penguin will pick the top 3 entries. These top 3 entries will be featured on social media by Wattpad and Penguin.