Lucas remained seated in the center, his breathing steady, but the expression on his face had changed.
The faint strength that had returned to his body could not hide what was written clearly across his features.
Worry.
Frustration.
And beneath it all, something heavier.
The scars on his face seemed more pronounced under the lantern light, tracing the path of the battle he had barely survived. His jaw tightened slightly, his gaze lowered, as if he was replaying everything in his head and finding no answer that satisfied him.
Lira noticed it first.
She didn't say anything at the beginning. She simply shifted closer to him, her movements gentle, careful not to disturb what little calm had returned.
"Hey…" she murmured softly.
Lucas didn't respond.
That was enough for her.
