Snowforest Taiga wind shear

Shadow. Fitting, she thought, even if Aditya did not know the full extent of it. She and her sisters were their own shadows - wholly dependant on one another for continued existance. Oh, she could survive for a time on her own. She did not need Hydra or Lyra to fight her battles or hunt her food. But she was not complete without them, was not herself.

Alya opened her mouth, on the verge of saying something like this to Aditya, when she was caught up in his tender smile. Her heart thudded unevenly, her pulse thrumming too-strong for a moment before she got ahold of herself. You have no business looking at me like that, she thought fondly, but what she said was, "It's been bearable."

But playing coy was not satisfying, here. She shifted, trying to rid herself of the uncomfortable tightness in her chest. She missed her family, missed being seen and known for who she was, rather than who she projected. "Aditya - " No. Don't do this, Alya. Dark, fathomless blue eyes met warm, tender gold. "I find there is a great deal to admire about you," she blurted, the urge to say something nice overwhelming her sensebilities.