Astrid was terrified.
This was because, even though the situation had been dire and dangerous on all sides before, Mika had been right by her side.
His presence, his warmth, his unwavering determination—it had been her anchor in the storm.
But now?
Mika was gone.
And she was alone.
Completely, utterly alone.
The cave was dark. So dark she couldn't see her own hand in front of her face.
The only sounds were the distant rush of the waterfall and her own ragged breathing.
No voices. No footsteps. No comforting presence to hold onto.
This was especially jarring because had always hated being alone.
Even as a young child, she craved company, craved connection, craved the warmth of others around her.
Being by herself for even a few hours made her anxious, restless, uneasy.
But this?
This was something else entirely.
This was isolation so complete it felt like being buried alive.
And worse was not knowing what was happening outside.
