"Hey," Zephyr called out, his voice carrying a warmth that seemed reserved solely for Lyra. "Just coming to check on you. We haven't had much of a chance to speak one-on-one lately."
Lyra's reaction was immediate and striking. Her eyes, usually focused on some magical puzzle or ancient text, brightened considerably at the sight of Zephyr. A smile bloomed across her face, transforming her scholarly features into something radiant.
"Oh, Zephyr," she responded, a mix of surprise and pleasure coloring her tone. "What a pleasant surprise!"
Yet, there was something subtly different in her reaction, a change so slight that only someone who knew her well might notice. The brightness in her eyes, while genuine, lacked the intensity it once held when Zephyr was near. It was as if a shift had occurred, imperceptible but significant.
