The mid-morning sun cast long shadows over the barren landscape as Ruby's group trudged through the rocky terrain. The air was heavy with tension, their silence broken only by the crunch of gravel underfoot. Caleb scanned the horizon, his rifle slung over his shoulder but his grip firm.
"She's out there," Zoe muttered, her voice tight.
"We'll find her," Caleb replied, though his tone carried the weight of uncertainty.
Finn, trailing behind, adjusted his pack with a sigh. "If we survive the factions tearing us apart first."
Ruby stopped abruptly, raising a hand to signal a halt. "We're being followed," she said, her voice low.
The group froze, their eyes darting to the jagged ridges surrounding them. From the shadows emerged a band of armed men, their weapons glinting in the harsh light. Leading them was Marcus, his cold gaze locking onto Ruby's.
"Well, well," Marcus said, his voice dripping with mockery. "Fancy meeting you here."
