The following morning, Lara returned to Isla alongside Ares and Jack, the morning breeze curling around them as the island slowly stirred awake beneath the golden light of early morning. The moment they stepped into the Isla's grounds, a familiar voice cut through the calm.
"Lara, where have you been these past few days?" Amelia rushed toward her the moment she saw her, throwing her arms tightly around Lara as if they had been separated for months instead of mere days.
Lara let out a soft laugh and returned the embrace. "Wasn't it only five days?"
"Really?" Amelia pulled back just enough to pout dramatically. "Then why did it feel like an entire month?"
Lara laughed again and lightly flicked Amelia's forehead.
The playful gesture made her suddenly still.
