The outpost was a hive of activity as survivors moved under the dim light of the moon, hastily fortifying their defenses. Every clink of metal and every hurried whisper carried the weight of urgency. The faint glow from Mia's hands cast shadows on the faces of those working around her, a reminder of the power that had become their strongest weapon—and their greatest unknown.
Ruby stood watch at the entrance, her sharp eyes scanning the edge of the forest. Her rifle was slung over her shoulder, but her hand rested on its grip, ready. The tension in her posture mirrored the mood in the air: taut, expectant, and unrelenting.
"They'll hit us harder this time," she said, her voice low but resolute.
"We're ready," Caleb replied, his tone calm but firm as he adjusted the barricades.
"No," Ruby corrected, turning to glance at him. "We're as ready as we'll ever be."