Days passed in the blink of an eye.
While the staff worked tirelessly to dismantle the secrets of the Nightmare, Grand Cathia only grew louder with discontent.
Alice walked through the streets, hands in her pockets.
She stared at the children first.
They were the easiest to notice.
Some clung to their parents with an intensity that bordered on desperation, fingers digging into fabric as though afraid they might vanish if they let go. Others sat quietly on steps or crates, staring into nothing, eyes unfocused.
Awake, but not present.
Adults fared a little better.
They forced a look of composure in order to keep the other calm. If they break down, what about the ones they're trying to protect?
All they can do is whisper words of comfort even though they don't truly believe it themselves.
Forced laughter, strained smiles.
Even though the siege had been repelled, the lingering aftereffects of the Nightmare had not changed.
