Ardan didn't say anything. Just got up and nodded once toward the stairs before heading that way, silent boots on creaking wood. Probably to sleep in a corner with his eyes open and a knife under the pillow.
Lira remained seated. For a while. She looked like someone who didn't get tired so much as quietly shut down in phases.
Lindarion stood slowly. His legs agreed. Barely.
He gave her a look. A soft one.
"Coming?"
She blinked. Just once. Then nodded and followed.
No goodnights. No bedtime routines. No emotionally significant bonding.
Just stairs, footsteps, and the creak of old floorboards that definitely had opinions.
The rooms upstairs weren't fancy.
One had three beds crammed into it with a chair that was absolutely cursed. Another had two beds and a window that whistled in high wind like it was performing for tips.
They split without discussion.
