Lyena slept quietly, the soft flicker of the fire in the corner casting gentle shadows across the room.
Outside, Mira stepped cautiously from the house. Her eyes scanned the trees. She whispered, "I know you're here."
From the darkness, a figure appeared. Back to back with her, close enough that she could feel his presence. One hand rested hidden inside his robe.
"Why her?" Mira asked, her voice tight. "She's only a child."
The figure didn't say anything at first. Then he said quietly, "That's true. But you care about her as much as they do about you. That… is what the enemy can use against you. That's why I tried to kill her so other people couldn't use it against you."
Mira's hand grasped her sword, her body moving swiftly, but the figure vanished the moment she surged forward.
"Leave me in peace," she demanded. "Or you know what happens."
"But, my lord…" the figure began.
"I said," Mira cut him off, "this is an order from me."
He paused. Then he nodded. "Okay." And disappeared.
Lyena stirred in her sleep. Mira hurried to her side.
"What would you like to eat?" she asked gently.
"Starbloom Porridge," Lyena murmured with a smile.
Mira smiled back. She prepared the meal quickly, then sat beside Lyena as she read her book. When the food was ready, they ate together.
Afterward, Lyena's eyelids drooped. She drifted into sleep as Mira carefully carried her to her room.
As always, Mira returned to her desk and wrote the letter. Her hand moved smoothly over the paper, the candlelight casting a warm glow over the room. Outside, the night remained silent, save for the distant rustle of the trees—a world watching, quietly, as the small girl slept, safe for now.
End of Chapter 11 – Watched