The Edge of Sacrifice

The faint orange glow of the horizon hinted at dawn, but Scarlett felt no relief in its light. The battle had taken its toll. Grayson's network might have been shaken, but the storm was far from over. She trudged through the forest, her clothes damp with sweat and streaked with grime. Beside her, Simeon leaned heavily against a makeshift crutch, his injured shoulder crudely bandaged.

"We need to pick up the pace," she said, her voice low but firm.

Simeon grunted in response. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one hobbling."

Scarlett stopped; and turned, her eyes sharp.

 "If we stay here, Grayson's remnants will find us. And when they do, they won't be as forgiving as I was."

"Forgiving?" Simeon smirked despite the pain. "Is that what we're calling it now?"

Scarlett didn't answer. Instead, she offered him her arm, steadying him as they pressed forward.

...….