[Lyra's Room—Next Morning]
Morning light filtered through the thin curtains of Lyra's room, pale and soft, doing nothing to calm the knot in her stomach.
She sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her phone.
The email from Blackthorn Enterprises was still open.
Start Date: Today.
It had come too fast and she couldn't shake that feeling no matter how many times she told herself she was overthinking it.
Just then, her phone buzzed.
Call Incoming: Maya
Lyra exhaled and answered. "You are up early."
"Please," Maya said. "I have been up since six. I was too excited to sleep. Did you see the email?"
"Yes," Lyra said. "That is kind of the problem."
Maya groaned. "Don't start."
"I am serious," Lyra said, lowering her voice. "They offered me the job almost immediately. Doesn't that feel weird?"
There was a pause.
Then Maya laughed. "Lyra. You applied to a company that runs half the city and you got in in your first try. I know people who are still trying for the tenth time."
"That's not reassuring."
"It is if you think about the paycheck," Maya said brightly. "Do you know what that salary means? You could finally move out."
Lyra glanced around her small room, the narrow bed, the secondhand dresser and the life she had been squeezing into borrowed space.
"I know," she admitted. "I just feel like something is off."
Maya softened her tone. "Or you are just scared because it's a big change."
"Maybe."
"Not maybe," Maya said. "Definitely. This is good, Lyra, really good. You take this job, save for a few months, and then—hey—we could get a place together."
Lyra smiled despite herself. "You are already planning my future?"
"Someone has to," Maya teased. "Besides, living with me would be way more fun than living with your broody uncle."
Lyra laughed quietly. "Don't let him hear you say that."
"Tell him I said it with love."
Lyra glanced at the clock. "I should get ready."
"First day outfit check?"
Lyra tilted the phone so Maya could see. "Too boring?"
"Professional," Maya corrected. "And intimidating in a 'she knows what she i s doing' way."
Lyra snorted. "That's generous."
"You have got this," Maya said firmly. "Call me after work and if the CEO turns out to be ridiculously hot, I expect details."
Lyra rolled her eyes. "Goodbye, Maya."
She hung up feeling lighter than she had all morning but that faded the moment she stepped out of her room.
…..
[Living Area]
Rogan was in the kitchen cooking and that alone made her pause.
He stood at the stove with his sleeves rolled up and movements unhurried as he flipped something in the pan.
The smell of eggs and toast filled the apartment, warm and familiar.
It was normal, too normal after the confrontation they had yesterday.
"Morning," he said without turning.
Lyra hesitated. "You are up early."
He glanced over his shoulder. "You have a big day."
She moved closer, stopping near the counter. "I thought you would try to stop me again."
Rogan set the pan aside and finally turned to face her. He studied her for a long moment like he was memorizing the way she looked.
"Eat first," he said instead.
She blinked. "That's it?"
"For now."
He slid a plate toward her. "Take care today."
The simplicity of it caught her off guard.
"And Lyra," he added, quieter now. "If you feel anything strange, anything feels off, you call me immediately."
She met his eyes and nodded. "I will."
He nodded, satisfied for the moment. "Alright, you finish your breakfast first and text me when you reach there."
"I will."
Lyra finished her breakfast and like everyday, Rogan made sure that her plate was empty before she got up.
She then grabbed her bag and headed for the door.
Rogan watched her go with his chest feeling tight with things he didn't say.
Lyra stepped into the hallway and the door closed softly behind her.
First day, new job and a fresh start.
She told herself that was all it was as she headed toward a future that had already begun shifting beneath her feet.
….