The silence lingered even as more footsteps approached from behind. Dust still floated in the air, catching the dim light of the early morning sky.
Everyone had found themselves and others filled with injuries and a gloomy atmosphere. No one wished to speak, as they were too injured and tired from this fight, and it felt like even talking would waste their energy. So they tried to conserve their energy as much as possible.
But there was something different about this scene.
Liora sat quietly against the broken wall, her arms wrapped protectively around a small child. His sobs were muffled against her neck. He was clinging to her like a lifeline, and she didn't move an inch.
Mei finally stepped forward, her legs trembling from exhaustion but her eyes focused with worry.
"Liora…" she said softly, kneeling beside her, "You're badly injured. Let me check you."
Liora didn't speak for a moment. She gently shifted the child in her arms, trying to keep him comfortable.
