It was an easy enough thing to claim, Galina knew that all too well. She had seen plenty of innocent people killed for less than this. But she continued, steeling herself to be as forthright as possible. "Indeed. However, on the night in question I was in Irvingly." Galina continued, remembering Lyra's pursuit of her. "Or rather on the outskirts. Lyra Potter found me near the church and our discussion lasted until dawn. We spent the day in the cover of the Church." By saying this Galina also knew that there was no way forward other than admitting the very truth she had tried to hide. Mari's protection would soon crumble to ash as if the sun itself had set it to fire.