They reached the bunker just before the worst of the heat returned, dragging dry air and a taste of ash behind them.
The entrance closed with a mechanical groan, swallowing the outside light and casting long shadows through the narrow corridor.
Wei Sheng walked without support, his feet steady even after supposedly collapsing in the wasteland.
Yu Song watched him from the side, unease flickering behind his eyes.
"Should've needed help" he muttered, too low for most to catch.
Qingran didn't reply. She'd seen it too.
Back in the main room, Rong was pacing, his expression a storm of guilt and worry. He froze the moment he saw the bloodstained man walk in between them.
"Sheng!" he rushed forward, hands gripping the man's shoulders. "What happened? Where did you go? I thought.."
"I don't know.." Wei Sheng said, his voice calm. "I got lost."
That was all.
No fear.
No questions.
No emotion.
He wasn't even questioning the blood on him.
Qingran stared.
