"Why are you staring at him?" Philip asked quietly, following Marie's gaze.
Marie didn't look away. Her eyes remained fixed on the ginger-haired omega as he moved through the crowd, his movements light and purposeful. There was something about him that drew her attention, something she couldn't quite explain.
"I have a question."
Philip frowned, his brow furrowing with confusion.
"A question?"
She nodded slowly, her throat tight.
"I want to know if this is Novaterra."
Philip let out a tired sigh, the sound heavy with exhaustion. He rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand, a gesture of weariness that spoke of sleepless nights and endless worry.
"Marie..."
"Then explain all of this." She gestured weakly toward the park around them, her hand trembling. "The doctors. The nurses. The food. The blankets. They said we're free."
Philip looked down at the cup in his hands, watching the water ripple with his unsteady grip. His reflection stared back at him, hollow-eyed and gaunt.
