When Shunya finally returned, the room was dark except for a single lantern. Naomi stood with her arms crossed, back against the wall. Vikoria sat at the table, her hands clasped tightly together.
Both of them looked up as the door creaked open.
Shunya tried to force a grin. "Well, that was... not terrifying at all."
Naomi's voice cut through the air. "Do not joke."
Shunya froze. Naomi's tone was sharper than usual, a blade honed by worry.
Vikoria rose, her face pale. "What did he say? What did Commander Halden want from you?"
Shunya shut the door behind him and leaned against it, trying to buy himself time. His chest still ached from the weight of Halden's gaze.
"He just... asked a few questions," Shunya said, shrugging as if it were nothing. "Told me he would be watching. Standard scary commander stuff."
Naomi's fists tightened at her sides. "Do not dismiss it. Halden does not waste words. If he came personally, it means he sees you as a risk. Or as a tool."
