A few hours passed.
The sun crept across the sky like it was dragging its feet. Nyxtriel kept rotating between patrolling the top deck and overseeing the miners. She didn't need to eat or rest as often as the other recruits, which made the higher-ups impressed... and suspicious.
She had to be careful not to overdo it. Blend in, but not stand out.
That was the hard part. Being average was harder than being excellent.
When noon rolled around, she took her post near the gate as they changed shifts. The guard beside her grunted and tossed her a waterskin.
"You look like you need it," he said.
"I'm fine." She held it without drinking. "Thanks."
He nodded and wandered off. She tucked it under her arm.
That's when she heard the quiet voice beside her.
"...You're watching him again."
Rhea.
Nyxtriel stiffened. "Watching who?"
"That white-haired guy. The prisoner. The one they call 234."
Nyxtriel turned slowly. "I'm watching all of them. That's our job."
