Ethan, slow to realize, had no idea that as he stepped through the portal, Lyla remained behind, watching his body vanish before her eyes.
The weariness weighing on her shoulders lifted slightly. At least he would no longer suffer from the gnawing hunger and weakness that came with spending so long inside the capsule. After days of keeping vigil in Ethan's room, Lyla finally forced herself to rise. She lingered on the VR chamber, gazing at it with a faint pout that was equal parts irritation and affection, before turning and walking out of the Star Chamber.
She had only just reached the doorway when she collided with someone.
"Oh, my—!"
"Sister Lyla! I'm so sorry!"
Lyla frowned at the flustered young girl before her, studying her for a moment before asking, "And you are…?"
