Loriel jolted backward, startled as the door suddenly swung open. Her heart hammered against her ribs as Leon and Seraphine stepped into the hallway.
Leon's eyes immediately locked onto her disheveled appearance. "Loriel? What are you doing standing outside our door?"
"I-It's nothing!" Loriel blurted out, her voice pitching higher than intended. "I just woke up. Thought I'd... wait for you both. That's all."
Leon and Seraphine exchanged a glance. The dark circles under Loriel's eyes told a completely different story. Her skin looked pale, and exhaustion clung to her like a heavy cloak.
She's lying, Leon thought, but he didn't press. Whatever had kept her awake wasn't something she wanted to share.
Seraphine simply raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
"Are you ready to go?" Leon asked, keeping his tone light.
Loriel nodded hurriedly, relief flooding through her. "Yes! Completely ready. Let's go."
Thank god they didn't ask more questions.
