Chapter 17: A Moment of Rest
The group's journey toward the Concord facility was grueling. The thick forests surrounding the city were unrelenting, offering no clear path and plenty of dangers. Yet, after days of travel, they found a rare moment of calm. They had come across a small clearing beside a river—a quiet sanctuary far from the prying eyes of their enemies.
Kaden dropped his pack by the water's edge and stretched his arms. "Finally, a break. If I had to hear one more branch snapping under my feet, I'd lose my mind."
Selene smirked, already tying her hair back. "You could use a wash. We all could."
Ethan stood back, scanning the area. His instincts told him never to let his guard down, but exhaustion was starting to win the battle against vigilance. He felt the hum of the Codex in his pack, its presence a constant reminder that peace was fleeting.
"You're not planning to keep watch all night, are you?" Selene called out to him. "Even you need to breathe, Ethan."
He sighed and set his pack down. "Fine. But just for a moment."
---
The sound of rushing water became a backdrop to their momentary escape. Kaden splashed water onto his face, his usually stoic expression softening. "You ever think about what you'll do when this is all over?" he asked no one in particular.
Selene, sitting on a rock by the riverbank, raised an eyebrow. "You're assuming there'll be an 'over.'"
Ethan sat beside her, letting the cool water run through his fingers. "There has to be. Otherwise, what's the point?"
Kaden shrugged. "Maybe. I used to think about it—back when I still had something to go back to."
The silence that followed was heavy. It wasn't the first time Kaden had alluded to his past, but he never shared details. Ethan wanted to ask, but he didn't push.
Dr. Calder, who had been quietly inspecting a makeshift map near the campfire, chimed in. "Surviving isn't enough. We need something to fight for—something worth rebuilding after the Concord falls."
---
As night fell, the group gathered around the fire. Selene pulled out a small flask from her bag, passing it around. "It's not much, but it'll warm you up."
When it reached Ethan, he hesitated. "What is it?"
"Just drink," Selene said with a rare grin.
The warmth spread through him, easing the tension in his shoulders. For a brief moment, the group felt like people rather than rebels.
Kaden leaned back, staring at the stars. "You ever notice how quiet it gets out here? No drones, no sirens... it's strange."
Selene nodded. "Almost feels wrong. Like the calm before a storm."
Ethan's gaze dropped to the Codex, still glowing faintly in his pack. The visions had been quieter recently, but he knew it was only a matter of time before they returned.
---
Later that night, Ethan stood by the river alone, the cold air biting at his skin. He felt the Codex hum again, a soft pulse that seemed to match his heartbeat.
"You're thinking too much again," Selene's voice startled him. She walked up beside him, arms crossed.
"Hard not to," Ethan admitted. "Every step we take, I feel like we're walking toward something we're not ready for."
Selene looked at him, her expression softer than usual. "You don't have to be ready. You just have to keep moving. That's what leadership is—moving forward even when you're scared out of your mind."
Ethan let her words sink in. "Do you ever wish things were different? That we didn't have to fight?"
"Every day," Selene said. "But wishing doesn't change anything. Acting does. And you, Ethan—you're acting. That's more than most people can say."
For the first time in days, Ethan felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they could do this.
---
As dawn broke, the group packed up their camp and prepared to move on. The moment of peace was fleeting, but it was enough to remind them why they fought—not just to survive, but to create a world where moments like these weren't so rare.
Ethan adjusted the straps on his pack, the Codex's weight pressing against his back. The road ahead was uncertain, but for now, he allowed himself a small smile. They were still standing, still fighting, and that was enough.
For now.