The walk back home was quiet.
Kana and Lysera moved side by side, their footsteps tapping lightly against the stone path, but the silence between them was thick and uneasy.
The streets had emptied slightly with the approach of dusk.
Golden sunlight filtered through the narrow gaps between buildings, casting long shadows that swayed with the breeze. The air smelled faintly of roasted grain and early summer blooms.
But none of that registered in Kana's mind. Her thoughts were tangled — not with fear, but with uncertainty.
About herself.
About what Sergeant Delran's words might mean. About the strange emotions that had passed over Lysera's face when she'd seen her cornered.
Finally, after several streets had passed beneath their feet, Lysera broke the silence.
"I'm sorry."
Kana looked at her, surprised.
Lysera didn't return her gaze. Her eyes were fixed forward, her jaw tense.
