Lyra’s POV
The kitchens were louder than usual that morning, but not with conversation—just noise. I stood near the roster board, feigning interest in the new routine allocations, while my eyes scanned the list taped beside it.
And then I saw it.
Saana's name had been scratched out.
Not erased—scratched. With a knife, or a pin, or perhaps a nail.
Her name, which had previously been placed between Brad's and Cecily’s on the day shift, was gone. A jagged blank space in its place.
It was deliberate.
I stared at it for a long time. Long enough to draw attention if someone cared to watch. Someone did.
"You're blocking the way," came a voice behind me.
I stepped aside before I saw her. But I knew it was her.
Anya brushed past me, her hips barely brushing mine, and when she turned her
