The night air was cool and heavy with the lingering scent of blood, sweat, and smoke. In one of the makeshift camps near Nightshade Castle, Merina sat on a low wooden bench, her shoulders sagging with exhaustion, her eyes staring blankly at the flickering embers of a dying campfire.
The soft murmur of other survivors filled the air, some whispering in grief, others tending to the injured.
She had spent the last few hours patching wounds, ensuring food and water were available, comforting terrified refugees who had lost everything.
But now, in the silence of her own thoughts, the weight of everything was settling upon her like an unrelenting storm.
She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees, burying her face in her hands.
Ceti, Master… where are you? Why haven't I seen you two yet?
Her heart clenched with dread, but she shoved the fear down, refusing to entertain the worst possibilities.
