"How long have you known him?" Cassian asked, his expression darker than any night.
Lyra felt her pulse race, but she knew she had to be truthful if she wanted to avoid any misunderstandings between them.
"Not that long," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper under the weight of his gaze.
Cassian's pupils dilated as he silently searched her face. When he was satisfied, he stepped back, giving her the space to breathe.
"One last question," he said, his voice steady. "Was he the one who told you about your parents?"
Though the answer was clear, he needed to hear it from her.
Lyra pressed her lips together, blinking a few times before she finally nodded.
And just like that, Cassian turned on his heels and walked past her, leaving her standing there.
Everything felt surreal, yet an unexpected sense of peace settled over her. Cassian hadn't snapped; instead, he had let her be.
