An Impromptu Escape, A Calculated Ambush

VANESSA

The moment I stepped out of the car, the desolation of the roguelands hit me like a physical force. This place hadn't changed—barren land dotted with makeshift shelters, the smell of desperation hanging in the air. No matter how many times I returned, that first glimpse always twisted something inside me.

"You okay?" Miles asked, his massive frame positioning itself protectively at my side.

"Fine," I said automatically.

I wasn't. But I'd gotten good at lying about that.

Three other warriors flanked us as we approached the camp—Leo's insistence, not mine. I knew these people. They wouldn't hurt me. But convincing my overprotective brother otherwise was pointless.

The camp appeared more run-down than I remembered. Fewer tents. More hollowed eyes watching our approach. Word traveled fast, and by the time we reached the center, Nora was rushing toward me.

"Ruby!" she cried, using the name I'd gone by during my time here. "Gods, it's really you!"