Gifts, Freedom, and a Frank Talk on the Heat

I cautiously cracked the door open, just enough to see Lyra standing in the hallway with an armful of items. My stomach growled loudly at the smell of food wafting from one of the bags she carried.

"Hey!" Lyra chirped, bouncing on her heels. "Can I come in? I brought presents!"

I glanced behind her, half-expecting to see my bonds lurking in the shadows. The hallway appeared empty, but that didn't mean much in a place where people could teleport.

"Are you alone?" I asked, keeping my voice low.

"Technically yes, but your boys are camped out in the common area downstairs." She rolled her eyes. "They've been driving everyone crazy, pacing and asking about you every five minutes."

Relief and something like disappointment mingled in my chest. I opened the door wider, letting her slip inside before quickly shutting it again.

Lyra dumped her load onto my bed. "Gifts from your admirers," she announced with a dramatic flourish. "I'm officially the messenger girl now, apparently."