The morning light filtered through the large office window, casting a golden glow over the polished wooden desk where I sat. Alys sat across from me, her hands resting uneasily in her lap, while Kai perched beside me, his blue eyes gleaming with curiosity. Nox, comfortably nestled on my shoulder, let out a soft chitter as if sensing the tension in the air.
Alys looked different now—clean, well-dressed, and free of the grime that had once coated her skin. Her golden hair, now washed and neatly combed, cascaded down her back in waves, a stark contrast to the frail, malnourished frame hidden beneath the elegant yet simple dress she wore. The bruises, cuts, and scars that once marred her skin had vanished after last night's healing, but the weight of her past still lingered in her hesitant posture.
"I'll be off with this Big Sister and Lyall for a while," I informed Kai, breaking the quiet.