Chapter 128
One week later, the harsh winds outside had grown louder, carrying an ominous howl that seemed to echo through the walls of the small apartment. The power grid had been unreliable for days, and now, the communication lines were completely down. Karl sat by the window again, his face illuminated by the dim light of a single lantern.
Layla approached him cautiously, wrapping a thick scarf around her neck. She stopped a few steps away, hesitating before speaking.
"Karl," she said softly, her voice barely cutting through the sound of the wind. "Have you heard anything?"
Karl shook his head, his eyes fixed on the stormy horizon. "No. It’s been silent. No messages, no updates... nothing."
Layla frowned, her fingers gripping the edge of her scarf. "And Valencia? Any luck there?"
He turned to look at her, his expression calm despite the situation. "Nothing. But she’s with them. She’ll keep them safe."
Layla nodded, though the reassurance felt thin in the face of their isolation. She glanced back at Jane, who was sitting at the kitchen table, scribbling notes in a small journal. The room felt colder than ever, the silence between them filled with unspoken fears.
"Are you sure you don’t want to rest?" Layla asked, stepping closer to Karl. "You’ve been keeping watch every night. You need sleep."
Karl’s lips curved into a faint smile, though his eyes remained tired. "I’ll rest when I know you’re all safe."
Layla opened her mouth to argue, but Jane’s voice cut in from the kitchen.
"He’s as stubborn as ever, Layla. You won’t convince him," Jane said, her tone light but tinged with concern.