Lyra watched the door long after the Gallaghers had left her hospital room. Her fingers idly traced the edge of her blanket, the white hospital walls closing in as minutes ticked by without Percival's arrival. The conversation with the Gallaghers had left her feeling oddly unsettled, especially Mr. Gallagher's strange, lingering glances.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. She looked up expectantly, her heart quickening.
The door opened, but instead of Percival's tall frame, his assistant Atticus stood there, pristine in his tailored suit.
"Ms. Moreau." He nodded formally. "Mr. Covington sends his apologies. An urgent business matter required his immediate attention."
Lyra's face fell before she could mask her disappointment. "I see."
"He asked me to ensure you have everything you need." Atticus's expression remained professionally neutral. "Is there anything I can assist you with?"
"No," she said, turning her face toward the window. "Thank you."
