"That’s right," I replied, my smile reaching my eyes this time. "You were paying very close attention."She ducked her head back down, her pen flying across the paper, before looking up yet again. "And this letter—if you arrange it like this—it changes the whole meaning, doesn't it?"I nodded encouragingly. "You're a very fast learner, Iris."Iris let out a tiny, airy laugh. It was an unburdened sound, the laugh of a child who finally had something wonderful to look forward to.And I knew then—beneath this sudden burst of academic focus was the one thing making her heart feel weightless. Hope. The chance to speak with Lyra.The realization touched me gently, yet it left a deep mark. A part of me felt a quiet sorrow—not because she missed Lyra, but because this specific brand of happiness wasn't something I could give her. I was merely the one standing by her side, the guardian ensuring her world stayed safe and steady.I watched her for a beat longer than necessary. This, I realized,
Last Updated : 2025-12-19 Read more