Morning at Castle Zero began with the scent of toasted bread and smoked meat.
Lunethra had been in the kitchen since before the sun rose—not that there was ever a true sun, as the Forest of Lamentation never fully brightened. But she had memorized the rhythm of this castle: the sound of Kancil's footsteps, always the first to wake; the soft creak of Riri's door, followed by Loy a few minutes later; and the low grumbling of Dalgor as he limped toward the control room.
Today, she had prepared more than usual. She didn't quite know why. Perhaps it was because she felt... light. Her plants were growing, the children were training well, and this castle was finally starting to feel like a home.
"Sister Lunethra! It smells amazing!"
Riri appeared at the kitchen threshold, her hair a wild mess. Her eyes immediately darted to the plates arranged neatly on the table.
"Wash your face first," Lunethra said without turning, her hands busy flipping meat in the skillet.
