The forest crackled under the weight of fire—its once verdant canopy now alight with chaos. Flames licked at the treetops, smoke billowing skyward, casting the landscape in hues of red and orange. The acrid scent of burning wood and flesh filled the air, mixing with the cries of confusion and terror from the camp's defenders. The battle was far from over.
Ruby stood at the heart of the camp, her injured shoulder hastily bandaged. Her eyes were steely, her voice sharp as she barked orders. "Move out! Take only what you can carry and get to the fallback point. Leave nothing behind they can use!"
Survivors scrambled to follow her commands. The few who weren't injured grabbed what supplies they could, while others helped the wounded stagger toward the designated escape route. Zoe darted through the chaos, half-carrying an older man with a bloodied leg.
"Ruby, we can't hold them for long!" Zoe shouted over the din, her tone urgent.
