The northern observer request had been logged that morning and then set aside. No one mentioned it again.
The temple ran on ordinary schedules. Aiden spent the afternoon on routine work—checking wards, signing off on supply tallies, walking the lower corridors while the residual monitors stayed flat.
By evening the halls had quieted. He returned to his quarters, washed the day's dust from his hands, and left the door unlatched out of habit.
Lira arrived without knocking. She stepped inside, closed the door, and stood for a moment looking at him.
Her usual precise posture was still there, but the set of her mouth was different. Hungrier. She crossed the room, stopped in front of him, and said, "I don't want to think tonight. I want you to use me."
He studied her face. "You sure?"
"Yes." Her voice stayed even, but her eyes were already dark. "Tell me what to do."
He pointed to the floor. "Knees."
