Morning came with a flurry of organized chaos. Aria woke to the sound of boots on gravel outside, voices calling out orders, the metallic clink of weapons being checked and distributed. The pack was mobilizing.
She dressed quickly and went downstairs to find her mother already awake, preparing healing supplies in the kitchen. Bandages, salves, herbs for pain and infection. Preparations for injuries that might come.
"Mama," Aria said quietly.
Cassidy looked up, and some of the tension in her face eased when she saw her daughter. "Good morning, sweetheart. How did you sleep?"
"Better," Aria admitted. "Really better. No nightmares."
"Good." Cassidy beckoned her over. "Come help me with these. The search parties are heading out within the hour, and I want them fully stocked."
Aria moved to her mother's side, falling into the familiar rhythm of preparing remedies. They worked in comfortable silence for a while, the morning light strengthening through the windows.
