The sun rose slowly, looking colorless. Like a pale smear in the cast canvas called the sky.
It was the kind of dawn that didn't feel like a beginning. Just a continuation of a long, quiet end, as if the world itself was on its last legs after a long battle.
The crew of the Lady Rill moved in silence.
Even Thorn, who had tried to joke the night before, now only poked at a cold strip of dried fish without much enthusiasm. The salt didn't help the taste anymore. At this point, it felt like chewing regret.
They had one day's worth of supplies left. One day's worth of food. Less than that in water.
No land in sight. No clouds. No sign.
Just that same cold stretch of water in every direction.
Zuzu stood at her usual place at the helm, barely moving the current now.
She looked out over the horizon, not really seeing it. Her hands were limp at her sides, her water sense dulled from fatigue and the quiet erosion of hope.
