Wounded

Terra

Golden dawn light filtering into the solarium made the crystal vials on my worktable glint and shimmer beautifully. But the radiance only darkened my brooding mood further. I should be feeling accomplished finalizing treatment plans today, my task here nearly complete.

Instead, melancholy clung more suffocating than the estate's heavy velvet drapes. Each day brought me nearer to farewells I now dreaded making, despite resolve setting me on this course.

A brisk knock interrupted my gloomy thoughts. At my call to enter, Derek stepped inside. I frowned slightly, registering his stiff posture and concerned frown. Something more than routine summons had brought him here.

"My apologies for disturbing you, Miss Terra." Derek ran a hand through his cropped hair, seeming uncharacteristically agitated. "But your...assistance...is required rather urgently."

I tensed, chest constricting. Given the unspoken tension since my violent outburst, only one dire situation would warrant my direct ai