~LYRA'S POV~
I knew something was wrong before either of them said a word.
Ryland and Eren didn't sit across from me at the same table. Not casually, not without a reason. They were too careful with their individual rhythms for that kind of overlap to be accidental. When I came down and saw them both already seated, already quiet, I stopped in the doorway for half a second before I walked in and sat down.
I looked between them.
"Whatever this is… Just say it."
Ryland started. He was careful with it, not in the way that felt like he was softening the edges to protect me, more like he was laying it down piece by piece so it had room to land without crushing everything at once. He reminded me of the blackouts. The dates. The animal attacks in the eastern woods starting at the same time my gaps did. Eren going out after the hunting party left and finding the window in my room open.
I listened with my hands flat on the table.
