"You used me," Andres said later.
Not accusing.
Not emotional.
Just factual.
Lyra didn't deny it.
"Yes."
A pause.
"…And you used me."
That was also true.
Silence settled between them.
Balanced.
Equal.
"…That's how this works," she continued.
"Mutual benefit."
Andres nodded slightly.
"…Then we continue."
Lyra studied him carefully.
"…You're adapting faster than expected."
Andres looked toward the shop.
"…I don't have the luxury of moving slowly."
That answer—
She understood.
Because in a world like this—
Hesitation meant loss.
And loss meant disappearance.
"…Then we move forward," she said.
Together.