The morning came without color.
Only a pale, diffuse light pushed over the horizon, so quietly that even the machines of the camp dampened their vibrations.
Lina sat on the step in front of the Observation Tower, knees pulled up, forehead resting against her hands. The wind tugged at her hair, but she didn't move.
Since returning from the memory, she hadn't spoken a word.
Rhea had tried to speak to her – no reaction.
Eiko had gathered data – no response.
Only Alaric remained.
He stood beside the door, arms crossed, eyes fixed on her.
The night had left traces on his face. Shadows under his eyes, a line around his mouth that had never been there before.
"You haven't slept," he finally said.
"I wasn't tired," she answered.
"Lie."
She slowly raised her head. Something glimmered in her eyes – not light, not fire. Something deeper. Something that wasn't just her.
"Perhaps I was too awake to sleep."
