The morning light streamed through the canteen windows as Lori slid onto the bench across from Iva. She had barely slept—her mind had been spinning all night, replaying every word, every glance, every moment of her conversation with Attia. But despite the exhaustion, she felt something she hadn't felt in days.
Hope.
Iva looked up from her tea, her eyes brightening when she saw her friend. But there were shadows under her eyes too, and her usual energy seemed dimmed.
"I thought you were still with Caleb," Lori said, reaching for a piece of toast.
Iva let out a long breath. "He had to leave early this morning. Something came up." She paused, her voice dropping lower. "He came only to inform... you know whom."
Lori nodded, grateful.
She knew that Caleb had come more because Iva had aske
