Ember stepped fully into the hall, her expression cold as her gaze swept across the gathered survivors. Their heads were bowed, shoulders hunched, each of them hiding behind guilt and shame.
Keith, who had been sitting beside Pearl's stretcher, immediately stood when he saw Ember. Gratitude softened his tired features.
"Thank you," he said sincerely. "I was… completely hopeless today. I really thought... I really thought I was going to lose her. If it wasn't for you and your sister, I don't think we would have made it."
Ember waved a hand dismissively, though her eyes were sharp. "Forget it. Just focus on her."
But as she glanced at the citizens, those same people who had almost torn Ivy apart minutes ago, her face darkened. She raised her voice deliberately.
