The figure coming through the cave entrance had that same steady walk she remembered from the dorms. Petra thought her exhausted mind was playing tricks on her at first. Three days alone would make anyone start seeing familiar faces in shadows. The fire threw dancing shapes everywhere, and every flicker looked like it could be something dangerous or maybe salvation.
But when the silhouette got closer, she couldn't mistake that Academy uniform anymore. Blood stained and torn, with darker stuff she didn't want to think about. The rips looked purposeful though, like someone had modified it for better movement instead of getting it shredded in a fight.
Gareth Thorne stepped into the cave, and Petra's world went sideways.
"Oh, Petra. You're awake." Same quiet voice from their few conversations at the Academy. No shock at finding another survivor, no relief he wasn't alone. Just calm recognition, like he'd been expecting her. "Didn't want to wake you. Looked like you needed the rest."
