Aidera's fingers hovered over the keyboard one last time before she hit "Save." The final document blinked back at her- a week's worth of reports, finished in just three grueling days.
Her back ached. Her wrists throbbed. But for the first time in hours, she exhaled, sinking into her chair as though a weight had finally been lifted from her shoulders.
For a fleeting moment, it felt like freedom. Like a horse finally released from its reins.
"Milady."
A voice drifted from behind her.
Aidera glanced over her shoulder. "Ah, Clara. What is it?"
"It turns out you've been here all this time."
Her voice was soft, but there was something heavier beneath it.
"Why didn't you tell me you'd be working at the library?"
"Why would I need to?" Aidera replied without looking away from her screen.
Clara hesitated. "I just thought…"
Her words trailed off, leaving behind a pause that felt almost like disappointment.
