Iris
Something felt different the moment I stepped into the courtyard. I couldn't explain it but I felt it deep in my bones.
The morning was bright, the training grounds were already alive with warriors, and servants hurried between the buildings carrying baskets, linens, and trays of food. Everything was normal yet I couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted while I slept.
"You're lost again." I turned. Carina stood behind me with her arms folded.
"At what?"
"Everything." She walked past me and handed me a small basket.
"I've watched you stand there for almost a minute." I looked down.
"What is this?"
"Breakfast."
"I thought I already had breakfast."
"You had two bites."
"I wasn't hungry." Carina raised an eyebrow.
"You were distracted." I smiled faintly.
"Maybe."
"By the Alpha?" My smile disappeared.
"Carina!" She laughed.
"What? I only asked."
"You always assume. Not everything is about the Alpha"
"And you always turn red when I ask"
"I do not."
