CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE – DEVOLVING INTO CHAOS

As she dressed, Laura steeled herself for what lay ahead. The compound might be a powder keg, but she was determined to do whatever she could to prevent it from exploding. As the days passed, the atmosphere in the compound grew increasingly tense. Laura could feel the shift in the air, like the calm before a storm. She tried to maintain her routine, focusing on her work in the infirmary, but it was becoming harder to ignore the mounting tension around her. One morning, as Laura was organizing medical supplies, Emma entered the infirmary with a worried expression on her face. "Laura, dear," Emma said, her voice low, "I think you should be extra careful today. There's a compound meeting scheduled for this afternoon, and I fear things might get... heated." Laura paused in her task, turning to face the older woman. "What do you mean? What's happening?" Emma glanced around before leaning in closer. "Xyon has been rallying support. There are whispers that he plans to make a move against