Rick turned his head and tried to calm Ashley, who was clearly restless. Jill and Ayaka did the same, each of them speaking softly, offering reassurance in their own way.
They stood close to her, as if their presence alone might ease the anxiety weighing on her chest.
However, Gordon was different.
He remained where he was, unmoving, his eyes narrowed as he stared at the condition of Lion City displayed before him.
Panic was obvious on the faces of the other members gathered there, fear reflected in their expressions as they whispered among themselves. Yet one strange thing had not happened.
"Ethan isn't dead," Gordon said calmly, his voice short and filled with certainty.
Ashley immediately turned toward him. "What do you mean?" she asked, her tone sharp, unable to hide her worry.
Gordon shifted his gaze toward the projection panel floating in front of them.
