The Quiet Promise

“But lately…” she added, her voice even lower now, “I’m starting to wonder what happens if I stop letting it lead everything.”

Kaelen took a slow breath, his gaze pinned to her like he was memorizing every word she dared to give.

“You’re already doing it,” he said quietly. “Facing it.”

Lyra gave a faint, self-conscious shrug. Her fingers tugged at the towel’s edge again, knuckles white.

“Earli