Chapter 191 - Mapping the Western Quadrant

The morning came with a steady breeze drifting across the basin, carrying traces of cold moisture from the distant cliffs. Arios woke before the others, sitting upright in his tent while listening to the quiet rustling outside. The island was loud at night but strangely calm at this particular hour, as if the ecosystem had taken a brief pause before the day's activity resumed. He dressed and stepped outside, checking the clearing the teams had secured the previous day.