"Scouts in the City"
(Mara's POV)
The city was quiet in a way that made every sound echo. Rain from the past week had washed some streets clean, but mud and debris still clung stubbornly to asphalt and cracked concrete. Mara sat in the driver's seat of the lead vehicle, hands steady on the wheel, eyes scanning every alley, every shattered window, every shadow that could hide danger.
Beside her, two of her scouts checked radios, maps, and supplies. Lena monitored the GPS coordinates, comparing them with the safe routes Chandler had provided. Mara kept her mind sharp—alert for both hazards and opportunity.
"We've got roughly twelve blocks to clear before we hit the first target," Lena murmured.
Mara nodded. "Move slow, stay together. Watch the windows, check the alleys, and keep comms t
