~ SASHA ~
Hours later, back in the City, Sasha sat in the hall with the females.
She'd been overjoyed to find that two or three had left the hall to seek out family or friends during the night. Though most of the females were still in the communal space, Sasha couldn't help feeling that things were looking so positive and bright. It was probably a good thing she'd learned that after she spoke to Nick that morning. Her buoyancy would have made him suspicious, she was sure.
She kept having to stifle it when she spoke with the females who were still frightened. She didn't want them to think that she didn't care.
The thought made her turn and look for Mae again, who was sitting next to the window, peering through a gap between the hides, obviously looking for someone in the Courtyard outside.
Sasha approached slowly, but when Mae saw her coming, she took her hands from the edge of the hide and turned, trying to force a smile.
