Chapter 12: A Familiar Face

The darkness subsides like a waking dream. Kiora's body aches from fatigue. Once her eyes flicker open, she struggles to rise. Arms and back creak as though they have not been moved in days. She grimaces from the discomfort. Upon a sigh, Kiora glances around her surroundings. The lone soldier finds herself sitting on a daybed beside an arched window. The crimson sun beams through a sheer, violet curtain. Kiora lifts the veil with shaky fingers.

Outside of the window pane reveals dense forestry. The lofty pines remind her of a missing person. 'Where's Luce?' The concerned Daemik continues glancing at the room. 'Is this another one of his bases?' As questions swirl in Kiora's mind, she decides to investigate. Carefully, she places her feet onto the floor. Her legs wobble from the lack of activity. Two palms fall backwards and land on the daybed for support. After a thrust forward, Kiora catches her balance.