(Isla)
I woke the next morning before Caius. For a few moments, I stayed beside him and remembered what day it was. Lyrienne would leave before evening, and I had already decided I wasn't spending our remaining time being sad about it. I had my mother back, and today I wanted to enjoy her.
Caius opened his eyes and found me looking at him. "You're awake early."
"I have plans."
"Should I be worried?"
I smiled. "Probably."
He sat up and watched me leave the bed. I told him I planned to spend most of the day with Lyrienne and that he wasn't invited unless we decided otherwise. He looked offended, but I knew he wasn't. He understood why today mattered.
I found Lyrienne eating when I joined her. She looked surprised to see me so early, then pushed another plate toward the empty place bes
