Just as Luke was on the edge of sleep, drifting comfortably in the dim warmth of the room, Ilyrana's voice suddenly cut through the silence. It was soft, just a breath above a whisper, but it startled him back to full awareness.
"Luke," she called. "Are you still awake?"
Luke blinked, the heaviness of sleep leaving him as he turned his head slightly.
"I am," he murmured, his voice barely louder than hers. "What's on your mind?"
There was a moment of quiet. He could sense her hesitation, her breath paused as if she was debating whether or not to speak further. Finally, she did.
"It's about Mirela," Ilyrana said, her voice conveying something between concern and determination. "Can… can you do something about her?"
The request took Luke aback. He turned on his side to face her, though it was too dark to see her expression. Still, he could feel the weight of her words settle between them.
