Through The Ashes

4

Jorn made sure she packed enough ammo for her pistol, checking each magazine before sliding them into her belt. Her movements were practiced, born out of routine. Brady, Harrem, Ana, and Yosef were doing something similar, checking their guns and getting their stuff in order.

The small group of hunters were in a separate tent getting prepared to take their new squadmates through their assigned routes.

Though preparations were a good meditation for her, Jorn's mind raced with thoughts alongside hearing the conversations of her squadron punctuated by the metallic clinks of loading rounds and adjusting straps.

"Ana, make sure that kid doesn't kill himself," Yosef said while playing with his butterfly knives. His voice carried a light, teasing tone, but Jorn knew he was being serious.

Yosef was the second youngest out of the group, standing eye level with Jorn with deep tanned skin and light brown eyes. He had just turned 21 about a month ago.

Ana, the oldest at 25, chuckled, pulling her ginger hair back into a ponytail. Blue eyes sparkling. "I'm sure he'll be fine."

"I'm gonna be honest, he worries me the most," Brady admitted.

Brady was white, with freckles dotting his face. He was the shortest out of the boys, standing proud at 5 feet and 9 inches. He's just a year older than Jorn.

"Wouldn't be surprised if he's the first one to go," Harrem said bluntly, earning a reproachful look from Ana.

Harrem was the youngest now—fulfilling his role as the annoying little brother quite often at 19 years old. His skin is dark, his soft thick hair even darker. He was the tallest of them all, standing at 6 feet, 2 inches.

"Not nice," Ana responded, while Yosef snorted.

Brady gently hit Harrem's padded shoulder. "Regardless, he deserves respect for stepping up."

"No, you're right. My bad," Harrem surrendered. "Just worried for my mate is all."

"What about you Harrem? Finally getting close enough to woman I see," Ana smirked.

Yosef and Brady laughed. Jorn smirked, shaking her head quietly.

"Yeah, you're hilarious. Laugh it up, guys. I'm not interested in Becca," Harrem stated matter-of-factly. "I would've much preferred the other one."

"Mara?" Yosef asked.

"She's pretty," Ana said.

"She's hot. I don't get why Del gave Jorn the hot one. She's gonna make Mara wanna leave," Harrem said. "She should've got paired with Silas or something."

Jorn rolled her eyes. "Do you always complain about stupid shit?"

"I'm just saying. You're not gonna be a very good mentor." Harrem said. "You don't like to talk or have fun."

Jorn shot Harrem a withering look. "This isn't about who's 'hot,' Harrem. This is about who's going to make it back in one piece. If you're that distracted by looks, maybe you shouldn't be out there."

"It's a goddamn joke," Harrem responded. "Take the stick out your—"

Jorn was going to say something else but was quickly cut off by Brady. His tone was sharper than before. "Enough! We've got a job to do, and it's not gossiping about who should be mentoring who. Let's focus on what actually matters."

Yosef nodded, his playful demeanor slipping away. "He's right. We've all seen what happens when people don't take this seriously. Let's not make that mistake."