The walk back to the base's entrance hall was quiet, the only sounds echoing faintly were the soft clicks of Don's boots and Elle's lighter steps as they moved side by side.
Don kept his posture relaxed, though his eyes occasionally flicked to Elle in the corner of his vision. She seemed calm, with just the faintest edge of nervous energy lingering around her.
No sudden changes, no reason for alarm.
Don's thoughts circled back to the gnawing uncertainty about her recent transformation. 'Maybe I'm overthinking this,' he considered, his fingers brushing absently against the edge of his jacket pocket.
But the worry refused to fully dissipate, resting somewhere just out of reach—quiet but insistent.
As they neared the towering double doors leading to the base's main entrance, Don inhaled deeply, shaking the thoughts free.
