The air felt heavier than usual. Zalria hadn't spoken to Lyren since that night, and the silence between them was louder than any argument. Tension clung to the trio like a shadow.
Lyra, as usual, walked close to Lyrien—too close. Her smile lingered, her eyes always watching, always calculating. But today, there was something new. A strange glint in her gaze. Something secret.
Zalria watched from a distance, her arms folded tightly. Every time Lyra brushed her hand against Lyrien's arm, a storm stirred in Zalria's chest. But this time, her pain was quiet. Cold. Focused.
Nathaniel, though still weak, had finally woken. He was confused, but alive. Zalria poured her attention into him, trying to feel useful. But even he could sense the rift.
As they settled into the evening, Lyra slipped away under the excuse of gathering herbs.
---
"Where is she going?" Zalria whispered, watching Lyra slip between the trees.
"She said she's looking for herbs," Lyrien replied without turning.
"She always has an excuse, doesn't she?" Zalria said, bitterness leaking into her voice. "Strange how she only remembers her errands when the sun sets."
Lyrien sighed. "What are you trying to say?"
"I'm saying she's hiding something," Zalria stepped forward. "And you're too blinded by her smile to see it."
"Zalria—"
"No, listen to me," she cut in, voice shaking. "She's not one of us, Lyrien. You know nothing about her. And yet you let her cling to you like a—"
"She's helped us," Lyrien interrupted. "She kept us safe. Fed us. Gave us shelter. That counts for something."
"And what have I done?" Zalria's voice cracked. "I've been beside you since the day you were born. I've stood in the shadow of your destiny. And you still look at her like—like she's the stars and I'm just the dark sky."
Lyrien looked away, jaw clenched. "It's not that simple."
"It *is* that simple!" she shouted. "I've loved you, Lyrien. I've *always* loved you. And you never even looked at me. Not once."
There was silence. "You know what hurts the most?" Zalria whispered. "She's the other woman. But somehow... I'm the one who feels like a stranger."
---