As the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting dappled shadows through the forest canopy, I found myself pacing restlessly at the edge of our makeshift camp. The events of the morning weighed heavily on my mind, replaying over and over like a bad dream I couldn't shake.
Mara's betrayal, Rory's brutal death, the look of anguish on Dwayne's face as he banished one of our own... it all swirled together in a nauseating mix of emotions. Guilt, anger, fear, and a deep, gnawing sadness that threatened to overwhelm me.
I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't hear Dwayne approach until he was right beside me.
"Rebecca?" he said softly, his voice tinged with concern. "Are you okay?"
I turned to face him, trying to force a smile but failing miserably. "I... I don't know, Dwayne. How can any of
