CAMPAIGN 1.2

Adya smiled, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes—a hesitation, perhaps. She tried to push it away. "Yeah," she said, her voice steady, but not entirely convincing. "This is the best opportunity for Ayan."

Nitya's expression shifted, her lips curling into a knowing smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Ayan?" she said, her voice low, as if weighing the word. "Forget him. He'll read a few more books, and learn new tricks, and everything will work out for him. I'm not worried about him."

Nitya leaned in slightly, her tone soft but sharp enough to cut through the air. "I'm worried about you."

Adya's smile tightened, her discomfort barely masked. She kept her voice light, hoping it would shield her from Nitya's unnerving gaze. "Everything's fine with me too," she said, sounding casual. "Things are going well alongside his."