The forest around them seemed alive, the soft rustling of the leaves the only sound that filled the tense silence.
Every step they took felt heavy, weighed down by the lingering fear of what they had just escaped and the uncertainty of what awaited them ahead.
The explosion from the bunker still echoed in Emily's mind, but it was the mutant's eyes that haunted her—the strange, unnerving glow that had cut through the darkness.
Damien led the way, his steps careful, calculating.
He had already moved into the rhythm of survival, the harsh reality of their existence a constant presence in his mind.
Emily followed closely, her senses alert, constantly scanning the shadows for any signs of danger.
"How far to the next checkpoint?" Emily asked, breaking the silence.
Her voice felt fragile, but she didn't want to acknowledge the vulnerability she felt.