Sincerely, Marlena

16

Sincerely, Marlena.

The early morning light barely touched the desolate horizon as I went about my duties. The compound was already bustling with activity, and there was a palpable tension in the air. The attack had shifted our priorities, and everyone was on edge.

I was organizing supplies near the command tent when I overheard Lucien and Nolan engaged in another heated conversation. Their voices were low but intense, and I strained to catch their words.

"We can't keep this up, Lucien," Nolan said sharply. "The East Ridge will exploit any gap they find. We need a more comprehensive strategy."

Lucien's response was terse. "We're barely managing with what we have. Expanding our defenses is not an option right now. We're stretched too thin."

Nolan's frustration was evident. "If we don't act, we'll be overrun. The East Ridge isn't going to wait for us to be ready. They're the ones behind the attack last night."

Lucien's jaw tightened at the revelation. "I suspected as much. They've been growing bolder. We need to secure our positions immediately and get some reinforcements if we can."

The mention of the East Ridge made my heart skip a beat. The name wasn't new to me; it was the same group that had clashed with my people back in South Haven. The enemy of my people, my brothers, and me. I had heard stories of their brutality and aggression. Knowing that they were responsible for the recent attack at Lucien's compound made the situation even more dire.

Turning my attention back to the tasks at hand, I noticed Alistair working with a collection of damaged gear, his concentration evident as he inspected each piece. I decided to offer my help, hoping it might ease some of the tension I felt from the overheard conversation.

"Need any help?" I called out, trying to sound casual.

Alistair looked up, a bit surprised but appreciative. "Actually, yes. If you could help me sort through this gear and see what's salvageable, that would be great. We're low on some critical components."

I joined him, and as we worked side by side, Alistair seemed to relax. He started explaining the intricacies of weapon repair, sharing practical tips that were both insightful and engaging.

"It's not just about fixing things," he said as he worked on a particularly damaged piece. "It's about understanding how they work, finding the weak spots, and making sure they're reliable."

I nodded, intrigued. "Sounds like a lot of trial and error."

"Exactly," Alistair said with a chuckle. "You learn to adapt quickly. Sometimes, it's the little things that make the biggest difference."

As we continued, a young boy approached, looking anxious. He had a small cut on his arm, and it was clear he needed attention. I took the boy aside, checking his injury and tending to it with the supplies I had on hand.

Alistair watched from a distance, his expression softening. "You're good with kids. Not everyone has the patience for that."

I shrugged, focusing on the boy. "They're part of this, too. If they're hurting, we need to help."

When I finished, the boy gave me a grateful smile and ran back to his group. I turned back to Alistair, who was now looking at me with a newfound respect.

"Thanks for the help," he said. "It's been good to have someone else around who knows how to get things done."

"No problem," I replied, smiling. "It's been good to learn from you."

As the day wore on, I noticed Lucien observing us from a distance, his gaze shifting between Alistair and me. His eyes narrowed slightly as he watched us, and I caught a flicker of something in his expression—irritation or maybe jealousy. The way he looked at me, coupled with the growing camaraderie between Alistair and me, seemed to bother him.

Lucien eventually approached, his demeanor less rigid than before but still carrying a hint of tension. "I see you've been keeping busy."

"Trying to," I said. "There's a lot to be done."

He nodded, his gaze flicking to where Alistair was still working on the weaponry. "Good to see you making yourself useful."

Before I could respond, Nolan reappeared, and Lucien excused himself to deal with yet another pressing matter. I watched them go, feeling a mix of unease and curiosity. Lucien's reaction to my interaction with Alistair was unexpected and left me wondering about the dynamics at play.

As I resumed my work, I couldn't shake the feeling that the compound's tensions were more complicated than they appeared. The revelation about the East Ridge, the shifting relationships, and the underlying friction all pointed to a future that was increasingly uncertain.

The day continued with its usual blend of work and tension, but the interactions I witnessed and the conversations I overheard suggested that there were deeper currents shaping our world. The compound was holding its ground, and so was I, navigating the complexities of our situation one step at a time.