By the time the sun peeked over the horizon and the light spread softly across the sky, Liora had already woken up.
She had barely slept, but her eyes were calm.
Her back straightened, her hair was tied neatly, and her clothes...though simple. They were clean and composed. There was no sign of the storm inside her heart.
She looked into the mirror for one long second before leaving the room.
And when she did, she walked through the base like nothing had happened.
Her steps were steady.
Her face was calm.
The base, however, was not so composed.
People were already gathering around the canteen. The night before had been filled with fear, confusion, and whispers that refused to die down. Many had seen the rooftop explosion. Others had seen the figure surrounded by dark vines. And nearly everyone had noticed that Liora had vanished right after it.
So when she appeared at the edge of the canteen, all eyes turned toward her at once.
