Kael reached in, turned the dial. "Say again."
"—survivors—north sector—Penitent coming—"
The transmission cut off in a burst of static.
Elias whispered, "That’s less than two miles from here."
Crimora’s eyes widened. "So it’s already moving again."
Kael exhaled slowly. "Pack it up. We’re heading out now."
Selvara frowned. "To help them? Or to see what’s left?"
"Both."
They climbed into the vehicle. Lyra took the wheel. The humvee’s engine rumbled, echoing through the ruins. As they rolled out, torchlight flickered against crumbling walls, painting brief ghosts in the windows.
Carla clutched her pack tighter, glancing back once. "Feels wrong, leaving the shelter like that."
Selvara stretched in the backseat. "There’s no shelter anymore, little one. Just temporary walls."
Elias m
