One by one, they all left the training hall.
Still talking. Still processing what just happened.
They still stole glances back at the core.
And at the boy who somehow turned the whole thing around.
Arthur watched them go for a second.
Then he turned.
He was about to leave too.
But... "Arthur."
He stopped like he already knew as he turned back slowly.
Lyra stood in the circle.
Watching him.
"…Stay."
Her tone wasn't loud.
But it carried weight.
Arthur sighed lightly, scratching the back of his head.
"…Knew it."
He looked at her again then smiled.
"Alright."
The training hall had grown quiet.
Everyone else had left and the noise from earlier had faded. Only the two of them remained inside the wide hall.
Arthur stood casually with his hands in his pockets while the commander watched him.
Her expression was calm but serious.
Arthur had seen that look before.
Someone who had already made up their mind and was simply waiting for confirmation.
