Through The Ashes

5

The sun was sinking low in the sky, casting long shadows across the city as Jorn and Mara made their way back to camp. Jorn's body ached from the dangers they faced today, but her mind remained sharp and alert.

The air was carrying a dense humidity that made her pores leak with sweat. Jorn glanced down at Mara, who walked beside her, her backpack full of salvaged supplies. Her face was smeared with grime and sweat, but her eyes were still bright with adrenaline.

They had made it through their first real test together, and though the tension between them had eased, it hadn't entirely disappeared.

They moved in near silence, the only sounds coming from their boots crunching over debris on the ground and the distant whistle of the wind through hollowed-out buildings.

"How long do your hunts usually last?" Mara asked quietly, breaking the long silence.

Jorn swallowed thickly, thirsty, but too eager to get back to camp to stop for a drink of water. "Days."

Mara didn't reply right away, her expression thoughtful. Jorn could see the wheels turning in her mind, the unspoken questions and doubts that would likely surface later. But for now, Mara seemed content to let the silence reclaim its hold.

Jorn's muscles protested with each step, her body craving rest, but she pushed the discomfort aside. She couldn't let Mara see she was tired and they weren't safe until they were back within the camp's gates.

As they neared the camp, the sight of Brio and Jar made Jorn exhale with relief. Jorn could feel the tension in her shoulders start to ease, but only slightly.

"Glad you made it back," Jar said once they got close enough.

"Anyone else here yet?" Jorn asked.

Brio nodded, while Jar stepped aside and opened the gate. "You're the last group."

At least everyone is alive.

Relief that washed over her was tempered by the awareness that their survival was a fragile thing. Each successful return only meant they would have to do it all over again, with no guarantee of making it back the next time.

Mara followed close behind, her footsteps slowing as they entered the camp. Jorn noticed the way the shorter woman's eyes roved over the familiar surroundings, taking in the sight of the others who had already returned.

Mara smiled when Eli noticed her, calling out her name. "Mara!"

Everyone had turned to see Mara and Jorn. Brady, Harem, Ana, and Yosef seemed relieved, sitting on a large log of wood with tonight's dinner in their hands. Across from them, Mara's group, sitting on the ground.

Mara dropped her bag, almost running to her friends.

"We got your dinner ready!" Becca said. Jorn watched as Mara hurried over.

"Jorn," Ana called. She held up a large bowl, but Jorn couldn't see what was in it.

"It's getting cold, hurry up," Brady said. "Harrem is dying to get his hands on it."

The sight of the bowl reminded Jorn of her own hunger, the dull ache in her stomach that she had been ignoring in favor of getting back to camp.

Jorn hesitated, watching the group from a distance for a moment. Usually, she ate alone within the comfort of her own tent, but tonight she was too hungry to wait any longer.

Jorn finally relented, her stomach growling in protest as she made her way over to the group. The warmth of a distant fire cast flickering shadows on their faces. Ana handed her the dark bowl, and Jorn nodded in thanks, her gaze briefly meeting Ana's before she looked away.