Through The Ashes

34

"We should move from here," Jorn suggested quietly. "Find another exit, so we're not cornered."

Yosef nodded, his eyes darting around. "Agreed. Staying here's too risky."

Ana clutched her rifle closer, her voice light. "There's a door here that leads into the house. We should be able to sneak through the back."

"Then let's go," Harrem whispered sharply, slowly picking up the trash bag full of food. "They crawl through here and we're fucked."

Jorn nodded, motioning toward the door. She stepped forward cautiously, placing her ear against it for a second. No sound from the other side. "Should be fine," she whispered.

Yosef gently turned the handle, and the door creaked open, revealing a dark hallway. The house was quiet, the silence unnerving as they crept inside, one by one.

They moved swiftly but carefully through the house, avoiding any sudden noises or creaking floorboards. Mara was right behind Jorn, her steps light and precise, her breath steady as she glanced around for any signs of danger. "Back door may be this way," Mara whispered, pointing toward the far side of the house.

Jorn nodded, her grip on her rifle secure as she walked to the rear of the house. Harrem, still carrying the bag, muttered under his breath, "Hurry it up. That Screecher is gonna bring more soon."

Jorn shot him a sharp glance. "Shut up."

As they reached the back door, Ana checked the lock. It was rusty but intact. "I'll get it open," she whispered, pulling out a small tool from her back pocket.

Yosef stood at the ready, keeping an eye on the entrance to the garage, his rifle aimed in case anything followed them. "We should be okay after this."

With a quick click, the lock gave way, and Ana pushed the door open. Outside, the backyard stretched out into an overgrown garden that backed into what could be considered a bike and walking trail. The fog clung to the ground like a cloak, thickening the air.

Jorn stepped through first, skimming her surroundings. "Clear," Jorn whispered. "Let's move."

The group filed out of the house, keeping low as they slipped into the backyard. Mara stayed close to Jorn's side, her hand brushing against Jorn's arm briefly in a silent show of support.

They crossed the yard quickly, heading toward the empty and winding trail. The sound of their breathing was the only thing cutting through the heavy fog, each step bringing them further from the houses and closer to whatever awaited them in the streets beyond.

As they reached the trail, a strange silence fell over them. The occasional creak of wind-blown branches and the rustle of leaves against the ground were the only sounds breaking the stillness. Jorn stole another glance at Mara. Her hazel eyes squinted, trying to see past the fog.

Yosef motioned for them to slow down, his eyes scanning the area ahead. "Stay sharp," he muttered under his breath. "The fog might be hiding more than just the Rot."

Jorn's fingers twitched slightly as she readjusted her grip on her rifle. Every shadow seemed to stretch and twist in the fog, warping their perception of the landscape. They needed to stay on their toes—one wrong move and it could all fall apart.

A soft crack sounded behind them, causing the entire group to freeze. Harrem cursed under his breath, adjusting his hold on the bag. Ana's eyes widened, and Mara's grip tightened on her weapon.

Jorn's heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing. Was it just the wind? Or was something else lurking in the fog, watching them? Waiting to catch them off guard?