Under the dim glow of the distant fires and settling dust, Ethan glanced around, his gaze falling on Leah, trembling as she held her children close. Evan and Lira clung tightly to her, their small bodies shaking with lingering fear.
Hale knelt beside them, his voice soft as he reassured the two children, speaking words meant to calm, even if they were too young to fully understand.
On the other side, Flint rested a gentle hand on Leah's shoulder, speaking to her quietly, a steady presence to ground her amidst the chaos.
In the distance, Darius and his squad moved forward slowly, their figures outlined against destruction. They wore expressions of deep gloom, shadows of pain etched into their faces. In contrast, the Warlords moved quickly to get Ethan and the others.
