The tension followed them all the way back to the guest house.
Lyra could feel it in every step Daniel took ahead of her.
He didn’t speak.
Didn’t slow down.
He just walked.
And that silence felt heavier than any argument.
When they reached the hallway, Daniel finally stopped.
Lyra almost walked into him.
“Daniel—”
“Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”
His voice was calm.
Too calm.
Lyra hesitated.
“There’s nothing going on.”
Daniel turned to face her.
“Stop saying that.”
Lyra frowned slightly.
“It’s the truth.”
“Then why do you keep avoiding the answer?” he asked.
Lyra opened her mouth—
Then closed it again.
Because she didn’t have one.
At least, not one she could explain.
Daniel watched her carefully.
“You think I don’t notice?” he said. “The way you look at h
