Chapter 52: A World Beyond Comfort

The sound of Mallory's boots scuffing against the pavement echoed through the eerily silent streets. The remnants of their last escapade—rescuing survivors from the underground facility—still weighed on her mind, but she masked her unease with a nonchalant whistle. Scraps padded along beside her, his floppy ears twitching as he kept a watchful eye on their surroundings.

Behind her, the rest of the group moved cautiously. Kaelyn was scouting ahead with her usual precision, her crossbow slung over one shoulder. Zara and Vanessa flanked the survivors they'd freed, providing a sense of security to the shaken individuals. Altair lagged slightly, his tablet in hand as he scanned for potential threats. Blinky sat perched on Mallory's shoulder, his bulbous eyes blinking rhythmically as if he were keeping time with her whistle.