MaylenGummy
One rule. Take only what you need.
Xera learned that survival isn't about being the strongest-it's about never hesitating. After years trapped in the Alternate, she built a hidden camp alongside Mae and Xavier, the only two people she's ever trusted. Together, they survive by following one simple rule: take only what you need.
When a new group stumbles into their territory, Xera offers them something rare in this world-a place to stay. But fear turns into betrayal when the group steals their supplies and abandons the camp, believing they can survive on their own.
They were wrong.
When Xera, Mae, and Xavier finally catch up to them, the consequences of betrayal change everyone forever. Mercy is given only once, guilt becomes a heavier punishment than death, and the survivors are left haunted by the girl with the empty stare who refused to forgive.
As time passes, Xera begins lowering the walls around her heart, allowing Xavier closer than anyone has ever been before. But in a world where monsters lurk behind every shadow and every choice carries a cost, peace never lasts for long.
Some monsters hunt in the dark.
Others look human.
And when the person Xera loves is put in danger because of the same people she once spared, the calm survivor everyone fears may finally become something far worse.