Fiora woke with a sharp gasp, her breath uneven.
She had dreamed of the day she was banished by her royal father, while her beloved younger sister put on a flawless theatrical performance of innocence and sorrow.
She quickly looked around, then released a shaky breath when she realized she was not scrambling for shelter anymore.
Calming herself, Fiora got up, washed her face with water stored in a clay barrel, then carefully observed her new living space.
The leader's cave was surprisingly neat and clean. Everything was arranged properly. Animal hides used as clothing, cooking pots, even the wall decorations were well maintained.
It seemed Valeo was the tidy type.
She then checked the mushrooms and berries Valeo had prepared for her. The food supply was buried underground and covered with planks to slow spoilage.
Unfortunately, under the scorching heat and dry air, even food buried in the soil had begun to wilt and nearly rot.
