Ava's eyes opened to low, filtered light.
For a moment, she didn't know where she was. No walls shaking. No orders shouted. No system alerts flashing red.
Just... stillness.
Her body felt heavy, but not in a bad way. Like something had actually worked. She blinked hard, the room slowly sharpening into focus—the metal walls, the faint hum of ventilation, the single bed across from her.
Lucas sat on the edge of it, tying his boots.
He looked up when he heard her shift.
"Morning, Sleeping Beauty."
Ava groaned."How long was I out?"
"Eleven hours."
Her eyes widened."That's—"
"Longer than usual, yeah. Your system forced it. You needed it." He stood, stretching his arms over his head. "Still breathing. Consider it a win."
Ava sat up slowly, rolling her shoulders."Alright. What's the plan?"
