UNYIELDING SHADOWS

I groaned as the shrill sound of my phone's alarm pierced through the stillness of the morning. Groggily, I reached out and silenced the device, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. With a deep breath, I rose from the bed, feeling a renewed sense of purpose coursing through my veins. The time for strategizing and reinforcing our defences had arrived. The sun had yet to rise, but I knew that the challenges ahead would require unwavering determination, unity, and an unyielding spirit.

I entered the bathroom, the cool tiles sending a slight chill through my bare feet. The sound of running water filled the space as I turned on the faucet, adjusting the temperature to a warm and comforting level. The steam quickly filled the room, creating a misty atmosphere that transformed the mundane space into a sanctuary.

With toothbrush in hand, I applied a dab of toothpaste and began brushing my teeth in rhythmic motions. The minty freshness spread through my mouth, awakening my senses, and clearing away