Morning felt… different.
Not quiet.
Not calm.
But changed.
The light filtered softly through the curtains, pale gold stretching across the room.
Lyra stood by the window.
Still.
Composed.
But not untouched.
Behind her, Adrian was awake.
Watching.
Not with distance this time.
Not with restraint.
But with something deeper.
Something settled.
Something… awakened.
The air between them was no longer charged in the same way.
It wasn’t tension anymore.
It was aftermath.
Real.
Unavoidable.
Adrian sat up slowly, running a hand through his hair.
“We’re leaving already?” he asked.
Lyra didn’t turn immediately.
“We should.”
Her voice was steady.
But softer than before.
Adrian stood, closing the distance between them.
“You always go back to control.”
Lyra turned then.
“And
