The warning Ysolde left behind made the atmosphere in the cave even more oppressive.

The process of distributing supplies no longer held any relief. Instead, it was carried out with a grim, meticulous caution.

Clean water and dried rations were divided equally among everyone. Grace personally kept the box of healing tablets for emergencies.

They all ate in silence, chewing tasteless rations that felt like sawdust in their mouths.

In the corner, the two most severely injured guards sat slump