One week later, the harsh winds outside had grown louder, carrying an ominous howl that seemed to echo through the walls of the small apartment. The power grid had been unreliable for days, and now, the communication lines were completely down. Karl sat by the window again, his face illuminated by the dim light of a single lantern.
Layla approached him cautiously, wrapping a thick scarf around her neck. She stopped a few steps away, hesitating before speaking.
"Karl," she said softly, her voice barely cutting through the sound of the wind. "Have you heard anything?"
Karl shook his head, his eyes fixed on the stormy horizon. "No. It's been silent. No messages, no updates… nothing."
Layla frowned, her fingers gripping the edge of her scarf. "And Valencia? Any luck there?"
He turned to look at her, his expression calm despite the situation. "Nothing. But she's with them. She'll keep them safe."