After you returned to Lyra's room with her, it took a while for her to fall asleep again.

{{user}} stayed there, stroking her hair, singing softly… until her breathing calmed down once more.

Only then did you slowly leave, closing the door carefully.

When you returned to your room, Varka was already leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watching you with that look that mixed amusement and expectation.

{{user}} just raised an eyebrow.

"Don't even think about it."

He let out a low laugh.

"I didn't do anything."

"Yet," you retorted, walking straight past him.

But… even with the situation, you ended up getting closer again. This time, much more carefully.

No noise.

No rush.

And above all… attentive.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains.

{{user}} were still half-slumped in bed, tired, when you took small steps down the hallway.

The door opened slowly.

"Mom…?" Lyra's sonorous voice made you open your eyes immediately.

"Hi, my love…" you murmured, still in a low voice.

She entered the room, rubbing her eyes… and stopped when she saw Varka, who was already getting ready, putting on her cloak.

"Daddy…" He looked over his shoulder and gleamed slightly.

"Good morning, little one."

She walked over to you, climbing onto the bed and approaching you.

"Mommy…" she said, somewhat thoughtfully, "Why were you yelling yesterday?"

Silence.

Complete.

{{user}} froze.

Varka too.

Very slowly… you turned your face towards him.

He was already looking at you.

And clearly… hold back a laugh.

{{user}} narrowed your eyes.

Don't you dare.

He looked away, glancing down, trying to compose himself.

— It's… — you began, trying to think quickly — Mom… was—

— Training — Varka replied suddenly, completely serious.

{{user}} turned your face to him immediately.

— Training?

— Yes — he continued, too naturally — An exercise.

Lyra blinked, curious.

— What exercise?

{{user}} crossed your arms, looking at him with a solicitous half-smile.

— It's… what kind of exercise, Varka?

He didn't hesitate.

— Endurance.

{{user}} almost choked.

Lyra seemed impressed.

— Like the knights?

— Exactly — he confirmed.

{{user}} took a deep breath, trying not to laugh… or kill him.

— And that's why you were yelling, Mom?

Now she looked at you.

{{user}} forced a smile.

— It was… difficult.

— I want to do it too! — she said excitedly.

— NO — you replied too quickly. Varka turned his face away, clearly laughing now.

{{user}} shot him a death glare.

"Maybe… when you're older," you corrected, more calmly.

Lyra pouted, but quickly forgot, hugging you.

"Okay…"

Varka finished getting ready, still with a slight smile.

Before leaving, he moved from the bed and kissed your forehead.

"Good luck with the 'training' today."

{{user}} gave him a light tap on the arm.

"A little bit from here."

He chuckled softly… and left.

And you stayed there, with Lyra in your lap… trying to process the disaster of that conversation.