Day 2: Zhraa’s Journal

I remember the way the rain smelled last night—like wet stone and something metallic. My stomach was already growling before the first drop hit, but I didn’t stop to think about it. Vex was at the river, his voice low as he said, *‘The water’s cold, but the stones remember.’* I didn’t understand what he meant, but I kept walking back toward the ruins anyway. My legs felt heavy, like I was dragging them through mud. I don’t know why I keep going there—maybe because the air there is quiet, or maybe because the stones feel like they’re whispering to me. Last night, I saw a flicker of light in the ruins, like a fire, but it vanished before I could look closer. I’m tired, but my mind won’t stop racing. It’s like the world is too big and too small at once, and I don’t know how to hold it all. I hope the stones will tell me what to do soon.