As the group made their way to lunch, a soldier approached Myra, stopping her in her tracks. The soldier whispered something to her, and she nodded before turning back to the group with an apologetic smile. "I'll catch up with you guys later," she said before walking off with the soldier.
Kyle sighed, shaking his head. "Guess that didn't change."
Leah glanced between Kyle and Ashley, curiosity lighting up her face. "Does that happen a lot?"
"Like every two days," Ashley answered, her tone casual, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
The group continued to the cafeteria, their conversations transitioning to lighter topics as they filled their trays with food. Once seated, Ashley and Josh took their usual spots, chatting animatedly about the training session earlier. Leah hovered near the table, uncertain. She felt like an outsider and considered finding a different spot.
"Sit," Emma said abruptly, her tone neutral but commanding.
