An Unexpected Ally

The survivors froze, their weapons trained on the newcomer. It was a woman, her appearance weathered but commanding. Her dark hair was streaked with gray, and her sharp eyes surveyed the scene with an unnerving calm. She raised her hands in a gesture of peace.

"Stop!" she called out, her voice cutting through the din. "I'm not your enemy."

Ruby didn't lower her weapon. "You've got two seconds to explain who you are before I shoot."

"My name is Selene," the woman said. "And I'm here to help you." 

"Who the hell are you?" Ruby demanded, raising her rifle.

The woman raised her hands, palms open in a gesture of peace. "Easy. I'm not here to fight," she said, her voice calm but firm. "My name is Selene. I've been tracking the Shadow's movements, and I think we want the same thing."

Ruby didn't lower her weapon. "And what's that?"

"To stop him," Selene replied, her gaze steady. "Before it's too late."