Dusk had fallen over the Estalis camp, blanketing the barracks in a quiet hush. Unlike in the other towns, Azul had a soldiers' barracks built beside the harbor.
The usual clatter of footsteps and murmured orders had softened to the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind and the faint crackle of oil lamps casting golden halos against the dark. Most of the soldiers slept early, their steady breaths mingling with the scent of the sea breeze.
A group of reinforcements arrived from the capital of Northem, their banners fluttering briefly before being stowed. Among them, Lara's eyes caught someone she hadn't expected to see.
"Bener! What are you doing here? Has your wound… recovered?" Her voice was equal parts surprise and relief.
"Of course," he replied, a grin tugging at his lips. "Your medicine worked wonders. I couldn't wait to return." Even as he spoke, his gaze darted around the camp, sharp and alert, as if searching for someone he already knew was here.
