The Black Cat, Part Thirty-Three

The dying embers of the campfire cast a warm, flickering glow across the makeshift campsite, lending a fleeting illusion of serenity amidst the chaos that surrounded them.

Julia sat vigil, her watchful gaze sweeping over the slumbering forms of her companions, ever vigilant against the threat of further unrest.

The soft crunch of footsteps on the arid earth drew her attention, and she glanced up to find Asuka approaching, her delicate features etched with a pensive expression. The girl offered Julia a tentative smile as she took a seat beside her, drawing her knees up to her chest.

"That was really cool, what you did earlier," Asuka murmured, her voice hushed to avoid disturbing the others. "Standing up like that, putting your foot down."

Julia waved a dismissive hand, a self-deprecating grimace tugging at the corners of her mouth.

"It wasn't much, really. Just did what needed to be done."