This time, Lyra didn't approach casually.
She walked directly to him.
No hesitation.
No distance.
"…You're expanding," she said.
Not a question.
A statement.
Andres met her gaze calmly.
"Yes."
Kael quietly stepped back, giving space.
Lyra glanced briefly at the setup, then back at him.
"You understand what that means."
"…Attention," Andres replied.
"More than that."
A pause.
"…Expectation."
Silence settled between them, heavier than before.
Because this time—
There were no masks.
Just awareness.
Lyra stepped slightly closer.
"Your supply is unnatural."
Direct.
Sharp.
Intentional.
Andres didn't react outwardly.
"…Define unnatural," he said.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"Consistent beyond environmental and logistical limits."
A beat.
"…That doesn't happen without cause."
Andres held her gaze.
"…Everything has a cause."
Another silence.
Then—
Lyra's expression softened slightly.
Not suspicion.
Understanding.
"…You're careful," she said again.
"And you're persistent," Andres replied.
For a moment—
Something shifted.
Not power.
Not tension.
But recognition.
Two people who understood more than they said.
Then Lyra stepped back.
"I won't interfere," she said.
A pause.
"…Unless I have to."
And with that—
She turned and left.
Andres watched her go, mind quiet but focused.
Because now—
It wasn't just observation anymore.
It was engagement.