Lyra pulled Alex by the hand toward one of the side rooms. They stepped inside, and she closed the door behind them. The room was modest but clean — a simple bed, a wooden cabinet, and a small window with a view over part of the settlement. It smelled faintly of herbs and dry wood.
You'll sleep here, she said, standing sideways and nodding toward the bed. This used to be my room. I'll sleep with my sister tonight — her room's just next door.
Alex nodded, but didn't move. He looked at her closely, as if trying to read on her face what she hadn't said aloud.
Alex… she began, her voice quieter now, hesitant. I'm sorry for how they treated you. My people... they've suffered a lot at the hands of humans. It's not your fault, but not everyone can separate that.
