13

After ducking into the kitchens and methodically washing the dishes, Lunaria Zenthra takes a moment to collect herself before tracking down her supervisor. The evening air is heavier now, thick with anticipation and excitement. The atmosphere within the camp has shifted; the girls are giddier, their laughter and chatter punctuated by the knowledge that Masters have begun to trickle in. It's a change that electrifies the air and makes her pulse race, a blend of anxiety and curiosity.

"Tantri, can I have a second?" she calls out, her voice hesitant but firm.

Lunaria feels a knot tighten in her stomach at the thought of engaging with Tantri. He is an older male, known for his difficult demeanor and sharp tongue. She approaches him, bracing herself for the encounter. As he turns his scowling face toward her, she can't help but compare him to the General, the contrast stark and jarring.

Where the General possesses a strong bone structure, defined features that emanate power, and a thick black beard that frames his face, Tantri's appearance is less imposing. He is bald, and the flesh of his face seems to sag against the bone, giving him an almost skeletal look. Though he shares some characteristics common among Zolanos—like the ridges on his forehead, the piercing blue eyes, and a chin dimple—he lacks the striking handsomeness that the General exudes even in sternness.

In his youth, Tantri may have been more appealing, but time has not been kind to him. The years have etched lines of displeasure on his face, and the weight of his scowl feels like a cloud hanging over their conversation. Lunaria steels herself, mentally preparing for whatever verbal sparring may come next.

"Make it quick," Tantri grumbles, crossing his arms in front of him, his blue eyes narrowing as if he's already sizing her up for a reprimand.

Lunaria takes a deep breath, trying to ignore the way her heart races in response to his intimidating presence. She knows that navigating this conversation is crucial—not just for her own peace of mind, but for the sake of her continued survival within this unforgiving environment. With each word, she must tread carefully, aware that Tantri's mood can shift like the wind, and one wrong move could send her tumbling back into the chaos she desperately tries to avoid.