After returning from the market, Lyra retreated to her chambers, while Penny slipped away to resume her daily tasks.
Yet despite being by Lyra's side the entire time, Penny couldn't shake the unease—the haunting silence that had clung to Lyra like a second skin. She'd barely spoken since they left Selene's estate, and the weight of that silence sat heavily on Penny's shoulders.
"I assume the plants have received enough water for the day."
The sudden voice made Penny jump. She turned quickly, heart racing, only to find Beta Darius standing a few steps away, his arms folded loosely across his chest.
"You shouldn't sneak up on people like that, Beta Darius," she huffed, pressing a hand over her chest. "Especially not ones already on edge."
Darius raised a brow, an amused glint in his eyes before it faded into something more observant. His gaze landed on her with quiet curiosity.
"You seem tense," he said calmly, though there was a hint of concern in his tone.
