Through The Ashes

30

As Mara rejoined the group, the conversation picked up again, everyone eager to hear the details of the factory run. Despite her exhaustion, Mara gave a quick report, her voice steady but flat as she explained the minimal findings.

"The factory's not a goldmine," she said, exchanging glances with Becca and Yosef. "We found tools—some hammers, screwdrivers, nails, and cases of water. There's enough scrap metal that we can probably use for fortifications. But no food, no medicine." Her tone darkened. "The Rot will eventually wander over though."

Eli nodded grimly, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's not unexpected, but that doesn't make it any easier to hear."

"We'll have to be more careful about future trips," Becca added. "And we're running low on fuel."

Harrem grunted in agreement, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the ground, deep in thought. "That means we need to figure out where to get more. The camp won't last without fire."

Silas, who had been sitting quietly until now, finally spoke up. "I think it's time we consider moving."

The group fell silent, his words hanging heavily in the air.

"Move?" Gareth repeated, sounding skeptical. "To where? Everywhere we've scouted is either picked clean or crawling with the Rot. At least here we've got defenses. We can hold them off a little longer."

Silas shook his head. "I'm not saying we abandon camp now. But we need to start thinking long-term. This place won't hold forever..." He trailed off, letting the implication settle in.

Jorn listened in silence, still standing close to Mara. She didn't want to think about the bigger picture right now. Not with Mara barely back. But even she couldn't deny the truth of Silas' words. The camp wouldn't last forever, the constant danger of the Rot closing in a little tighter.

Ana crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. "We'll figure something out," she said after a long pause. "But for now, we need to focus on securing what we can from the factory and preparing for whatever comes next."

Jorn could feel the weight of the conversation bearing down on her. The endless planning, the constant strain of survival—it was exhausting. But when she glanced over at Mara, she saw the same quiet determination she always did. No matter what they faced, Mara would keep fighting, and that gave Jorn a sense of strength she hadn't felt in weeks.

Brady broke the tension with a sigh. "Alright. Tomorrow, we'll make another run to the factory. I'll take Silas, Harrem and Yosef. We'll bring back whatever scrap we can find and the water and start reinforcing the gates."

Yosef nodded. "Sounds like a plan. Let's make sure we're prepared for the long haul. Things are going to get harder before they get better."

As the group began to disperse, Mara turned to Jorn, fatigue finally catching up with her as her shoulders slumped.

"You look like you could use some rest," Jorn said quietly, her voice tinged with concern.

Mara gave a tired smile, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "You're probably right."

Jorn hesitated for a moment, then spoke softly. "I'll stay with you."

Mara's smile widened just a little, warmth flickering in her eyes. "I'd like that."

Without another word, they made their way back to Mara's tent. Mara threw her backpack down and kicked off her boots, groaning in relief.

Jorn sat down beside Mara, the two of them settling into a comfortable silence. For a moment, the dangers of the world lifted, and all that mattered was being close to each other.