Later that night, the shadows of the Alpha Mansion stretched long and deep. The flickering candlelight in Aria's room cast soft halos on the walls. Aria was curled under a thick blanket, her thoughts swirling, when a gentle knock echoed at the door.
Lyra stepped inside, hesitation in her eyes.
"I know I have said it before," Lyra began, voice low, "but I'm sorry for how I treated you in the past."
Aria looked up, her tired eyes softening. "It's all behind us. Let's leave it in the past."
Lyra nodded, stepping closer. "Also… can you give me a chance to be your big sis?"
Aria blinked, surprised. "But you are my big sis."
Lyra smiled, almost shy. "I want to play the part. The responsibility."
A tear slipped down Aria's cheek, and she nodded. "I'd like that."
Suddenly, Lyra stiffened, her gaze snapping to the window. "Ahhh!" she screamed.
Aria's eyes darted to where Lyra was pointing. A bat with shimmering violet eyes perched on the windowsill, staring at them silently.
