Kana woke to the faint warmth of sunlight spilling through the thin curtains, but the comfort it brought was quickly overshadowed by the heaviness in her body.

Every muscle ached, a dull soreness that sank deep into her bones, and her legs throbbed faintly when she tried to sit up.

She hissed softly under her breath, rubbing at her calves as she swung her legs over the side of the bed.

Her feet felt rough and tender, and when she glanced down, she noticed faint traces of dirt and residue clinging to her soles. Her brows furrowed slightly — proof of her wandering last night, even if her memories of it were fragmented.

At least she wasn't bleeding, though the soreness was enough to remind her how much strain her body had endured.

She dressed carefully, tying the sash around her robes, and stepped out into the hallway.

The scent of incense drifted faintly from deeper within the temple, guiding her steps toward the dining hall.

When she arrived, Evaya was already there, seated at the far end of the table with her arms loosely folded, her expression subdued.

Her posture was relaxed, but her exhaustion showed in the faint shadows beneath her eyes and the slight slump of her shoulders.

Kana slowed her steps, hesitating for a moment before softly calling.

"Evaya?"

The woman's gaze flicked up briefly, but instead of her usual sharpness, there was something distant in her look — distracted, perhaps, but definitely worried.

"Morning."

She said simply, her tone lighter than her expression suggested.

Kana sat down across from her, fidgeting slightly with her sleeves.

"You… didn't sleep, did you?"

Evaya didn't answer immediately. Her eyes drifted to the side, avoiding Kana's gaze as she replied instead.

"Your companions will be back soon. They stepped out to take a bath and refresh themselves."

It wasn't exactly an answer, and Kana could tell she was deliberately steering the conversation away. She hesitated for a moment before offering a quiet.

"Thank you… for everything last night."

Evaya didn't respond to that either, so Kana tried a different approach.

"Is there anything I can do to help you? Anything at all?"

For the first time since Kana entered, Evaya paused mid-motion, her fingers resting lightly on the edge of her cup. She looked thoughtful for a moment, then shook her head.

"Not right now. If there is later, I'll let you know."

She said softly.

Kana nodded, accepting her answer without pressing further.

"Alright. But when the time comes… I'll definitely return the favor."

Evaya's lips curved slightly, just the faintest flicker of a smile, though it disappeared as quickly as it came.

Before either of them could continue, footsteps echoed from the hallway, and Lysera and Irielle entered the dining hall together, their robes still slightly damp from their bath.

Lysera was the first to speak, her sharp gaze sweeping over Kana with open concern.

"How are you feeling?"

Kana straightened slightly under her scrutiny, forcing a small smile.

"I'm fine. Last night wasn't as bad as it seemed… and Evaya kept an eye on me."

That earned her a soft, amused scoff from Evaya, one Kana almost missed if not for the faint smirk tugging at her lips.

Lysera, however, did not miss it. Her eyes narrowed instantly.

"Something funny about that?"

Irielle crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly as she added dryly.

"Seems like Evaya thinks your efforts aren't worth much."

Evaya merely raised a brow, saying nothing, which only deepened the tension at the table.

Kana, sensing where this was going, quickly cut in with a nervous laugh.

"We're all awake now, so… why don't we attend the prayers today? It might be good for all of us."

Irielle glanced at her, skeptical.

"Prayers aren't going to do much for your situation."

Lysera's head whipped toward her immediately, and without hesitation, she smacked Irielle lightly on the arm — a sharp enough tap to make her flinch.

"Ow! What was that for?!"

Irielle hissed, rubbing the spot.

"For speaking without thinking. We're in a temple, Irielle. Watch your words."

Lysera muttered, her expression tense.

Kana sat there awkwardly, looking between the three of them as the clash simmered down.

It was hard not to feel like she was in the middle of something she couldn't control, but at least the argument didn't escalate further.

Breakfast was a quiet affair after that, broken only by the faint sounds of temple bells in the distance.

Kana ate slowly, her thoughts elsewhere, the weight of last night's events lingering heavily in her mind.

Once they were done, she set her cup down and looked at her companions.

"I… want to walk around for a bit," she said softly. "On my own."

Both Lysera and Irielle froze mid-motion, exchanging a look of instant disapproval.

"That's not safe."

Lysera said flatly.

"I agree. After what happened yesterday, you should stay where we can see you."

Irielle added, frowning deeply. Kana hesitated, fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve before looking up at them earnestly.

"I just… feel a little suffocated. I need some air. I won't go far, I promise."

Her voice was soft but firm, and after a long moment, Lysera exhaled heavily, rubbing her temple as if conceding a battle she didn't want to fight.

"Fine. But stay where there are people around. If I find out you've wandered off somewhere secluded, I'm dragging you back myself."

She said at last.

Irielle sighed, clearly reluctant but following Lysera's lead.

"She's right. Don't make us chase after you."

Kana smiled faintly and nodded.

"I'll be careful. I promise."

Even so, as she stood and stepped away from the table, she couldn't shake the feeling that their concern — and Evaya's exhaustion — were hints of something deeper.

And no matter how much she tried to breathe freely, the temple's protective wards made the air feel heavier than ever.

As Kana stepped out into the temple's quiet corridors, the soft hum of chanting in the distance echoed faintly through the halls.

She drew a slow breath, trying to steady the unease curling in her chest.

For now, she wanted peace — just a moment to gather her thoughts alone.

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