They moved through the stronghold and headed straight for the private training hall. It had slowly become their place without them saying it out loud.
The moment they stepped in, the door hadn't even fully closed before..
"You're back."
Commander Lyra stood ahead of them.
Like she had been waiting.
No surprise there.
Ryn stepped forward first. "Commander."
The rest followed.
"Commander," they greeted almost at the same time.
Lyra waved it off lightly. "Drop that for now."
Her tone wasn't as sharp as usual.
It was… lighter.
Her eyes moved across them quickly, checking.
One by one.
No injuries worth noting.
No missing faces.
That alone said enough.
"…Good," she said under her breath.
Then her gaze landed on Arthur.
More specifically...
On the cub resting on his shoulder.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"…You brought something back."
Arthur didn't answer.
Ryn coughed lightly. "It'll make sense once I explain."
Lyra folded her arms. "Then explain."
