Chapter 53 A Way Off

Madison couldn't keep the questions bottled up any longer. She had been pacing back and forth near the camp center, her mind a whirl of anxiety and unanswered questions. When Axel and Alice returned, looking pale and worn, she had initially held herself back. But now, as they stood among the group and everyone gathered around, curiosity and fear consumed her.

She pushed her way through the murmuring crowd, her voice cutting through the chatter. "What happened to you two?"

All eyes turned to Axel and Alice, who exchanged uneasy glances. Axel took a deep breath and spoke first. "When we were out looking for a place to settle, we found... the body of the pilot," he said grimly. "Then we were captured by... them. But we managed to escape."

The group erupted in murmurs, some in disbelief, others in horror.

Madison's heart sank at the mention of the pilot's body, but there was another question burning on her lips. "Where's Nate?" she asked, her voice shaking.