The woman stumbled into the flickering light of the cave entrance, a pathetic heap of torn clothes and smeared dirt. Her hair, matted with mud, hung over a face etched with fear, or what Zara first perceived as fear. A whimper escaped her lips, thin and reedy.
"Please," she rasped, clutching her side. "I'm hurt. Hartono's men… they left me for dead."
Zara, her heart still soft despite the island's harsh lessons, moved forward instinctively. "Luna, help me. She needs water."
Luna, ever the shadow, remained perfectly still by the fire. Her eyes, sharp and unwavering, pierced through the newcomer's act. "Stay back, Zara. Something's not right."
"Don't be ridiculous. Look at her. She's barely conscious." Zara knelt, her hand hovering, uncertain where to touch. The woman flinched, not from
