Gavel's cheerful chatter faltered as he glanced down at Lisa, suddenly remembering the reason he'd stepped forward in the first place. His gaze shifted to Kisha—and he was stunned.
Unlike him, Dracon, Lisa, Abby, and the rest of the group who looked like they'd been marinated in dirt and mud, Kisha's face was spotless. Her skin was fair and healthy, almost glowing with a natural radiance that sharply contrasted with the worn and rugged faces around him.
Only then did he truly notice Duke, standing beside her—also immaculate. Not just Duke, but everyone in his group looked clean and composed. Their clothes were fresh, their gear intact, and aside from a few bloodstains from the earlier battle with the mutated snake, they appeared well-fed, well-equipped, and untouched by the grime and desperation that clung to the survivors outside.
