Lyra arrived at the hotel.
If Zinnia had been her old self, she would have rushed to greet Lyra with enthusiasm. But now, her face was expressionless, her gaze distant as she stood apart, watching Lyra approach.
The night wind stirred around Zinnia, who had a backpack slung over her shoulders and carried her daughter in her arms. Her once short hair now fell past her shoulders, and the strong, toned physique she had once been proud of was gone.
Thin and frail, she looked as though a strong breeze might knock her over.
Dressed in a plain denim dress, there was no sign of the bold, carefree spirit she had once exuded. Instead, exhaustion and despair clung to her like a heavy cloak, leaving her hollow, like a lifeless wooden doll.
Lyra stepped out of the car and glanced past her. "Where's Zarek?"
"At the veterans' rehabilitation center on Planet Nagano," Zinnia said slowly.
Without hesitation, Lyra turned to Debbie. "Bring him to my villa."
