Chapter 60: Crossing Lines
The camp lay shrouded in early morning mist, cold and damp, clinging to every tent, every branch, every weapon. Alex felt it seep into her skin, chilling her to the core, a sensation that wasn't unfamiliar anymore. Since allying with Calista, her once-clear morals had begun to blur, leaving her feeling like a stranger even to herself. Now, everything was about survival—even if it meant compromising the values she once held sacred.
As she walked through the camp, she felt the eyes on her. Every glance from the other faction members, every murmur that stopped as she passed, was a reminder that she was both accepted and judged here. Kara's hostility was a tangible presence, always at the edge of her vision, watching her with the disdain reserved for a usurper. Being appointed as Calista's second-in-command had come at a cost, and she could feel that weight growing each day.