Caria smirked. "We'll see how long that lasts once breakfast's mentioned."
Rhys smiled at the familiar rhythm of their banter. He and Lyra were given a small room facing the sea — simple, but peaceful. When they stepped inside, the first thing he noticed was the sound of waves beneath the floorboards, steady and soft, like a heartbeat.
Lyra stepped toward the open balcony, resting her hands on the rail. "It's beautiful," she whispered.
Rhys joined her. The moonlight touched her hair, turning it almost silver, and for a long moment he said nothing — just listened to the sea with her.
Finally, she turned slightly toward him. "Do you think the ocean dreams of the sky?"
He blinked. "That's… a strange question."
"Maybe," she said softly. "But I wonder if it ever looks up and wishes it could touch the stars."
