Meredith.
I pushed the door open faster than I meant to, but I couldn't help it.
They were all here.
Azul was kneeling beside Arya, carefully wiping her arms with a damp cloth. Cora stood rigid near the wall, eyes wide.
Kira and Deidra hovered close, trying to look calm—but failing. And Arya… Arya stood stiffly with one arm resting lightly at her waist.
Her smile was weak, but she tried. "My lady."
I walked over quickly, eyes scanning her, taking in her posture. The tension in her shoulders. The slight wince when she shifted her weight.
"Arya," I said, my voice already trembling, "are you alright?"
She nodded, but it was the kind of nod you give to stop someone from worrying, not because it was true.
"My lady, only Arya received two beatings," Kira informed me.
"Let me see," I said, reaching out to Arya.
Arya shook her head softly. "It's nothing. I promise."
I paused, hand suspended mid-air. My throat tightened. I understood.
