The afternoon continued. More patients came and went, each leaving healthier than they arrived. And though Aria kept one part of her awareness on the windows, on the doors, watching for another glimpse of Mira, she didn't let it interfere with her work.
By the time the sun started sinking and the last patient left, Aria was exhausted. Healing always drained her, but today had been particularly intense. Both from the volume of work and from the constant vigilance.
"You did well today," Nessa said as they prepared to leave. "I'm proud of you."
"She was here," Aria said quietly. "She saw me. Why didn't she do anything?"
"Because she's still planning," Nessa said. "Still watching. Learning. This wasn't an attack, it was reconnaissance."
"So what do we do?"
"We stay alert. We keep you protected. And we wait for her to make her move." Nessa's expression was grim. "Because she will make a move, Aria. The question is when, and whether we'll be ready for it."
