The waiting room lights felt too bright for Eryx. He sat with his head bowed, barely noticing when footsteps echoed from the hallway.
Callum arrived first, followed closely by Regina and Naomi. The air shifted with their presence as all of them looked totally anxious and tense.
"Where is she?" Regina asked, breathless.
"Still inside," Eryx muttered, standing up slowly. His eyes searched the group, but one person was missing. "Where's Valerie?"
Naomi hesitated, her eyes lowering. "She left… right after Lunara fell. Said she had an appointment."
Eryx's expression darkened. He stepped closer to Naomi. "What exactly happened up there?"
Naomi swallowed hard, glancing nervously at Regina before turning to Eryx. "We were coming down the stairs. Valerie said she forgot her phone, so she went back. Lunara and I kept going."
Eryx nodded once, his face unreadable. "And then?"
