No one is to leave this place

After a few hours, the sky brightened, and the women began to stir.

Some blinked in confusion at the pale sky and the dusty scent hanging in the air.

One by one, they emerged from their tents, drowsy-eyed but alert. Amelia and the others walked around, trying to understand their surroundings.

"There's a stream over there!" Erica called, pointing into the distance.

They hurried toward it. As they reached the stream, Ayra frowned at the water.

"I-Is it clean?" she asked, crouching to get a better look.

"Umm...I think so... It's probably just this place lacking colour," Amelia replied, dipping her hands in. The coolness made her long for a bath.

"The water feels cool now. Once the sun rises higher, it might not stay that way. We should wash up while we can," she added, splashing her face.

Erica didn’t wait for another word—she started undressing. Ayra hesitated, her eyes scanning the area before quietly following.