The morning after the attack felt different.
Not quieter.
Not safer.
Just… clearer.
Lyra stood at the balcony, her hands resting lightly on the stone rail, her gaze fixed beyond the palace grounds.
The world looked the same.
But she no longer saw it that way.
Behind her, movement.
Measured.
Familiar.
“You didn’t sleep much,” Kael said.
Lyra didn’t turn immediately.
“I slept enough.”
A pause.
“I just woke up thinking.”
That made him step closer.
“About what?”
Lyra finally turned to face him.
“About how this doesn’t stop.”
A beat.
“They tested us yesterday. Someone else will try again.”
Kael didn’t argue.
Because she was right.
“They’re not just after you,” she continued.
Her hand moved unconsciously to her stomach.
“They’re thinking ahead.”
A pause.
“So we should
