Breaking the Grid

Time for me

Kyra barely gave me a second to react before she grabbed my wrist, pulling me toward the elevators. I laughed under my breath, letting her drag me along, but before we could even make it two steps, I heard a sharp voice from behind us.

"Kyra!"

We both turned at the same time to see Gorry, arms crossed, staring at Kyra with a knowing look.

"You two can stay here," she said pointedly. "I don't trust you in your room."

Kyra let out the most dramatic sigh, her head tilting back slightly in frustration. I bit my lip to stop myself from laughing, watching her face twist into reluctant acceptance.

I leaned closer to her ear. "That was the most painful sigh I've ever heard."

She shot me a glare before suddenly, the sound of little feet running across the room caught my attention. I turned my head just in time to see a tiny blonde blur rushing toward us.

Harper.

I grinned, calling out to her before she could zoom past.

"Hey, Harpy!"

She skidded to a stop, her big blue eyes locking onto me in recognition. She hesitated for a second before looking up at Kyra, as if to confirm I was actually supposed to be here.

Kyra sighed again, softer this time.

"We met once," I reminded her, crouching down to her level and holding my arms open. "Can I have a hug?"

Kyra opened her mouth—probably to argue that I shouldn't encourage her—but before she could, Harper launched herself forward, wrapping her little arms around my neck.

I chuckled, hugging her back before standing up, still holding her. Kyra shook her head, clearly trying to fight a smile.

Before she could really start arguing, Harper tugged on my shirt.

"Come play!" she said excitedly, pointing toward the group of other players.

I raised an eyebrow, glancing at Kyra. "You heard her."

Kyra scoffed. "We don't have to—"

I cut her off by grabbing her hand, gently pulling her along with me. "You heard her," I repeated with a smirk.

She groaned, but she didn't resist.

We walked over to the group, stopping in front of one of the players who was sitting comfortably on the floor. She glanced up at us, then shifted slightly to make space.

I smiled at her, nodding. "Thanks."

She just grinned, and I gently tugged Kyra down next to me.

The moment I leaned back, Kyra immediately rested her head on my chest, settling into me without hesitation.

I smiled to myself, my arm naturally wrapping around her waist.

Before I could even relax fully, Harper—without warning—jumped straight onto my thigh, making me laugh at the sudden weight.

At the same time, I heard Gorry's sharp voice.

"Harper! You can't do that to people."

Harper giggled, completely ignoring her mom as she snuggled against me.

I felt Kyra's soft chuckle against my chest, her fingers trailing along Harper's sides, making her squirm and laugh even more.

The two of them fell into a quiet conversation, Harper talking animatedly while Kyra responded softly, her voice warm.