A sharp, freezing wind blew across the high rocky ridge.
Squad 25 sat around a small campfire near the edge of the cliff. It was their first chance to rest after the battle in the Bleeding Gorge.
Behind them, the giant desert beast, Zaira, had curled her massive, armored body into a protective wall. Her thick scales blocked the cold mountain wind from reaching the exhausted squad.
Lira lay on a bed of folded wool cloaks. Her breathing was slow and steady as her internal wounds finally began to heal.
Beside her, Kiana sat quietly on a flat stone with her knees pulled against her chest.
She stared at her open palms, slowly moving her fingers as if she still could not believe they were her own.
"Are you in pain?" Sagiri asked gently.
He handed her a wooden canteen filled with fresh water.
Kiana looked up and gave him a small smile.
"No. My head is quiet now. My head doesn't hurt anymore."
