Lyra’s POV
Just as he turned to carry out my instructions, Ranio appeared, his presence commanding as ever. His eyes swept over the scene, landing on me with a mixture of concern and something deeper—something he kept hidden behind his usual stoic mask.
“What are you still doing?” Ranio’s voice was sharp with urgency. “We don’t have time.”
“We’re done, my lord,” Derek answered swiftly, stepping back to let Ranio assess the situation.
Ranio’s gaze lingered on me, and for the first time, I saw something in his eyes—worry. His lips parted as if he was about to say something, but he stopped himself. It was subtle, but I caught it. He was concerned. But instead of voicing it, he just nodded, keeping his thoughts to himself.
But I wasn’t. I felt a flicker of something else. Pride. For the f
