Shunya woke again to the sound of footsteps.
Not rushing this time. Not panicked. Just steady boots against wood, measured and calm. It took him a moment to realize the pain in his chest had dulled. Not gone. Just quieter. Like the storm had moved farther away, but left debris behind.
Light filtered in through a narrow window. Morning.
He blinked slowly, adjusting to the soft glow. The safehouse room looked the same as before, but something felt different. Quieter. He could hear birds outside. Actual birds.
So the city was still alive.
He shifted, testing his body. His ribs protested, sharp and immediate, but he managed to sit halfway upright with a hiss. A blanket slipped down his chest, revealing layers of bandages wrapped tight around his torso and shoulder.
"So you are awake again."
Shunya turned his head.
