Lyra carried peace inside her chest for the first time in weeks, and Kael’s steps, though weighted with worry, seemed softened simply because she walked beside him.
When they finally stepped inside, Selene was still in her room. Kael, after mustering his courage, brought her a cup of warm tea and a soft smile.
“Mother,” he said gently as he placed the cup on her nightstand. “Please… just say something. Anything.”
But Selene’s silence remained, her eyes distant as though staring into a world no one else could see.
Kael exhaled sharply through his nose and rose to his feet. “I’ll come back later.” His voice cracked on the last word.
Lyra waited for him by the doorway, her expression soft. She touched his arm gently, her voice a whisper of comfort.
“She’ll be alright. Maybe she just nee
