The orphanage cafeteria was spacious and bathed in sunlight pouring through its wide glass windows. Dozens of tables stood in neat rows, their surfaces covered with drinks and light snacks, as if prepared for a celebration.
Contrary to Marielle's expectations, the hall wasn't empty. Children filled every seat, joined by caretakers, staff members, and even the head of the Angel Wing Foundation—Selina's mother, Vivienne White.
And yet, despite the crowd, a suffocating silence blanketed the room.
It wasn't hard to see why.
A massive screen on the far wall displayed a live broadcast. In the upper left corner, a news anchor with a tense, worried expression spoke in a steady, serious tone. The rest of the screen showed a live aerial feed, labeled Shelter City 8—Ongoing Emergency.
"We are currently receiving live footage through official channels," the anchor reported. "As you can see, the situation is highly critical."
