Dawn broke over the clearing, casting golden light through the dense canopy of trees. The silence was almost unsettling after the chaos of the previous night. Elizabeth stirred from her spot beneath a thick blanket, her body aching from the strain of the escape. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of damp earth and pine.
Around her, the camp was already alive with activity. Victoria sat by a small fire, sipping from a tin cup, her sharp eyes scanning the perimeter. Clara was hunched over her tablet, her fingers flying across the screen as she monitored their surroundings. Xavier stood a few feet away, speaking in hushed tones with the driver, his back straight and his posture commanding despite the exhaustion etched into his face.
Elizabeth pushed herself up, brushing stray leaves from her hair. She caught Xavier's eye, and he nodded toward her, breaking away from his conversation.
"How'd you sleep?" he asked, his voice quiet as he crouched beside her.
