The morning did not wait.
It never did.
But this time
Lyra chose how she met it.
She stood by the tall windows of her chamber, sunlight resting across her shoulders, one hand loosely holding a rolled document she had yet to open.
Behind her, the room was quiet.
Organized.
Calm.
Not because things were easy
but because she was learning how to control what she could.
A soft knock followed.
Then
without waiting
Kael entered.
“You’re already working,” he said.
Lyra didn’t turn immediately.
“I said I would adjust,” she replied.
A pause.
“Not disappear.”
That earned the faintest shift in him.
Approval.
“What is it?” he asked, nodding toward the document in her hand.
Lyra finally turned.
Held it up slightly.
“This arrived early this morning.”
Kael stepped closer.
Took i
