[Blackthorn Enterprise—Kaelen's Office]
Lyra had been sitting in the same place for longer than she realized.
The office was far too quiet compared to the chaos she had left behind earlier that day.
The city lights filtered in through the tall glass windows, casting a soft glow across the polished floor but the stillness inside the room made everything feel distant, almost unreal.
She tried not to think about what had happened, she tried not to replay it but her mind refused to cooperate.
Just then, the door opened and Lyra looked up immediately.
Kaelen stepped inside. His expression was composed and his movements as controlled as ever.
At first glance, nothing seemed out of place. He looked the same as always, calm, steady, unreadable.
And yet, something felt different.
Lyra straightened slightly, her eyes lingering on him longer than usual.
"Is everything alright?" she asked.
Kaelen paused just briefly before answering.
"Yes."
The answer came too easily.
