Chapter 172: The Shape of the Road Ahead
Lyria's POV
Patricia watched me quietly for a moment after signing that she had advice for me.
There was nothing playful in her expression now.
The warmth remained, but beneath it sat something serious.
Then her hands moved.
'I am going to speak honestly with you now.'
I straightened slightly without meaning to.
Patricia's gaze remained fixed upon me as she continued.
'Whether intentional or not, this path you have stepped upon is one you must now follow to its end.'
The words settled heavily between us.
I lowered my eyes briefly toward my hands resting in my lap.
I already knew that. There was no retreat from this now.
Patricia continued signing slowly.
'It will not be easy.'
I nodded once.
"I know," I said quietly, my hands moving with the words. "O-or at least… I think I do."
Her expression softened faintly at that.
'No,' she signed. 'I do not believe you fully understand yet.'
I looked at her again.
