Zane narrowed his eyes at Lyra. "Why do I want to go to the academy?" He leaned back against the doorframe, arms crossed. "Gee, I don’t know. Maybe because I’ve been locked in a room for two years and staring at the same four walls was starting to feel... repetitive?"
Lyra folded her arms too, mirroring him. "That’s not it. You didn’t even flinch at their comments, and then you stormed out. You’re hiding something."
"Hiding something?" Zane snorted. "What could I possibly be hiding, sis? A secret army of dust bunnies under my bed? Oh no, the maids might revolt if they find out."
Lyra rolled her eyes. "Zane, I’m serious."
"And I’m seriously tired," Zane shot back. "So unless you’ve got a snack tray hidden somewhere behind you, I’m going to bed."
He moved to shut the door, but Lyra stuck her foot in before it closed.
"Zane." Her voice softened. "You don’t have to lie to me."
Zane paused, the sarcasm fading for a moment, but only for a moment. He forced a smirk. "I’m not lying. I’m just... selectively telling the truth."
Before she could argue, he pushed the door shut—firm, not slamming—but loud enough to end the conversation.
On the other side, Lyra stood in silence, frowning at the wood. Inside, Zane leaned against the door, exhaling, eyes darting to where his shadow pulsed faintly on the floor.
"Yeah," he whispered, almost to himself. "No one’s ready for you yet."