Eventually, Elara returned to the bedroom. She noticed that Lyra was still by the window, looking even more exhausted than she had been a few hours ago.
The room had grown dark as the sun finally set, leaving the space in deep shadows. The air was still chilled from the air conditioner, exactly as Elara had left it.
Elara locked the door behind her and walked slowly toward Lyra, flicking on the lights as she moved. Surprisingly, Lyra was the one to speak first.
"I ate," she muttered, her voice sounding defeated. Elara reached the window and pulled the heavy curtains closed before turning to face her.
"That man," Lyra continued, "the one with the brown hair you sent with a sandwich. I ate what he brought."
Elara smiled. She was satisfied that Lyra still knew Elara enough to realize the secret meal had been her idea all along. But she gave a small nod and asked.
"And what of it?"
Lyra let out a sharp, annoyed sound before sighing deeply.
