Maya knew something was off the moment she stepped into the building that morning. No one said anything, but it was clear. People were moving faster, talking less, and even the way they walked looked careful. It felt like everyone was trying not to make a mistake. She didn't ask why. She just went to her desk and started working because that was what she always did.
After a while, a group of people walked into the workspace. They didn't look like regular staff, and the way people reacted to them made it obvious. Some stood straighter, others stopped what they were doing for a second before continuing. Maya didn't look up immediately, but she could feel it. Something had changed.
When she finally raised her head a little, she saw him. Caspian was standing with them, speaking calmly like nothing around him mattered. The others listened to him without interrupting. No one argued. No one questioned him. Maya looked away almost immediately because she didn't want to watch. That world had nothing to do with her, so she focused on her work again.
Not long after, more files were dropped on her desk. Maya paused for a second when she saw how many there were, but she didn't complain. She pulled them closer and started working. That was her life now. Work, silence, and pressure. Nothing else.
As she worked, one of the women from the group slowed down while passing by. Her eyes moved around the room before stopping on Maya. It was only for a moment, but Maya felt it. She didn't understand why, and before she could think about it, the woman had already looked away and continued walking.
Maya frowned slightly but didn't think about it too much. She returned to her work, telling herself it didn't mean anything.
But it did.
Upstairs, people were talking. Decisions were being made, and names were coming up. Without knowing it, Maya had already been noticed.
Back at her desk, she kept working like always. She didn't look up, didn't speak, and didn't pay attention to anything around her. To her, it was just another day.
By the time the day ended, Maya packed her things and left quietly. She didn't notice the way a few people looked at her as she walked out, and she didn't notice anything had changed.
But something had.
And this time, it was not small.