By the time Mira had settled into her training, something subtle had changed in how people looked at her.
At first, it had been caution. Careful distance. The kind that wasn't unkind, but also wasn't warm.
Now… it was different.
Still careful, yes. But mixed with curiosity. Even respect, in some cases.
Word had started to spread quietly within Moonvalley. About the girl who had arrived afraid of her own gift. About how she had not only learned control, but had begun using it to help others.
And that, naturally, brought attention.
Not all of it simple.
When Aria decided to bring Mira to the working group in the Central Territories, she spent more time preparing than she expected.
Not just explaining the situation.
Framing it.
Because she knew how easily things like this could go wrong. One wrong tone, one poorly chosen word, and Mira would be seen as a threat before she even had the chance to be understood.
"I'll stay close," Aria told her before they left.
