The shelter was located at the very outskirts of the city, but the fact that it was a bit far away from the center did not affect the quality of care here; the building from the outside looked quite ordinary, but the interior was completely different, bright, spacious and comfortable. Inside, people in various uniforms moved, and in the back there was an area that most closely resembled common rooms, where there were several dormitories with bunk beds and bathrooms.

The dormitories were bright and clean, each one having several bunk beds, which were covered with warm blankets and clean pillows, while the rest of the room was equipped with the most necessary furniture. There was also a bathroom with shower stalls, sinks, toilets and a row of mirrors, as well as small lockers for each bunk to put some personal belongings.

There was only a few people in the common room: several teenagers were gathered in the corner, sitting on the floor, while some others were playing games. The rest of the people were scattered across the room, either reading or just dozing off and lying on the sofas or floor, as if they were taking a break from the stressful routine of the day. As the door to the dormitory opened and the trio walked in, the heads of the people in the room raised up a bit to see the newcomers.

Ao’nung, despite his usual cocky demeanor, couldn’t help but glance around curiously as they stepped into the dormitory. His sharp blue eyes took in every detail — the bunk beds neatly lined up, the lockers with small name tags (none for them yet), and how oddly... safe it all looked compared to sleeping on cold rocks near shore.

Tsireya hovered close to Rotxo’s side, her fingers nervously twisting a strand of her hair. The room was warmer than expected — no salty wind biting at their skin or damp sand clinging to everything, just cleanliness and dryness.

Rotxo cleared his throat awkwardly when a few heads turned toward them.

— Uh… where do we…? he trailed off mid-question when he spotted Miles standing near one of the top bunks with an armful of fresh linens.

— Oh, hello there! You must be new! Miles smiled as he approached the three of them. Choose whatever beds you like and take the adjoined lockers, here’s fresh bed sheets…

Rotxo nodded a little sheepish, offering a small smile towards Miles. Tsireya murmured a soft word of gratitude:

— Thank you… we’re still adjusting.

Ao’nung, still trying to maintain his usual confident swagger, eyed Miles skeptically. He couldn’t help feeling a bit uneasy, although he tried to hide it with a scoff. Being here, surrounded by strangers and away from the ocean, he felt on-edge and uncomfortable.

Miles didn’t miss Ao’nung’s reaction and chuckled softly, as if used to people being a bit guarded.

— Don’t worry, it’s not that bad over here. He set down the linens on the end of the nearest bed, turning back toward the trio with a reassuring nod. I’m Miles, by the way. Miles Socorro, one of the local workers. And who might you be?

Ao’nung hesitated for a moment, his usual confident and slightly arrogant facade faltering, his sharp eyes meeting Miles’ almost as if trying to find any hint of dishonesty in the young man.

Tsireya quickly took over, noticing Ao’nung’s momentary hesitation. She stepped forward with a gentle smile, her soft voice filling the awkward silence.

— I’m Tsireya, and these are my brothers: Ao’nung and Rotxo.

Miles’ face softened immediately at Tsireya’s words, his posture relaxing as he let out a quiet sigh.

— Oh… I didn’t realize you were all family. That changes things.

He shifted slightly, suddenly more serious but still kind.

— You don’t have to worry about rent or food here — not while you're under this roof. We've got doctors too, if you need checking over later.

Rotxo and Ao’nung let out a sigh, the tension in their shoulders loosening slightly as they heard Miles’ reassurance. At his side, Tsireya’s smile softened with relief.