With great care, Jude lifted Layla in his arms. Sophie supported him, making sure he had a secure grip as they made their way back to the shelter. The journey back seemed to stretch on forever, each step laden with a mix of hope and fear.
As they walked, Sophie kept glancing at Layla's pale face, her heart aching for their lost friend. "Jude, do you think she'll be okay?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"We have to believe she will be," Jude replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. "We'll do everything we can to help her."
When they finally reached the shelter, the other wives gathered around, their expressions a mixture of shock and concern. Nefertari, who had been closest to Layla, was the first to react. "Is it really her?" she asked, her voice breaking.
Jude nodded, carefully laying Layla down on a makeshift bed. "Yes, it's her. We found her on the beach. We need to get her warm and dry."
