Yerin closed her eyes for only a brief moment before letting out a slow breath.
The last of their preparations had finally come to an end, yet instead of looking at one another, their eyes drifted almost instinctively toward the windows.
Something about the world outside drew them in without a sound.
Beyond the glass, the island lay beneath a sky so dark that it hardly resembled morning. Thick layers of pale grey and black clouds covered everything overhead, swallowing the sunlight.
No one spoke.
Still, the same thought quietly found its way into each of their minds. If this was what morning looked like, then what would the island become after nightfall? Maybe… the academy's warning had not been an exaggeration after all.
The question settled heavily among them.
Soon, a sharp knock suddenly echoed through the cabin.
Before anyone could respond, the familiar voice of the elderly academy staff member came from the other side of the door.
"Time's up. Follow me."
