I met her gaze, my voice steady and unshakable. "We're moving to a better place," I said. "A fortress. Safe. Strong. No more hiding. No more struggling."
I looked around at the gathered women, their naked bodies glistening with sweat and the remnants of their primitive lives. "I'll explain everything once we get there."
For Ravina, I was more than a leader—I was her God. She didn't question me. She never had. With a nod, she turned to the others, her voice ringing out with authority. "You heard him! Gather your things! We're leaving!"
The women scattered, their movements quick and efficient. They trusted Ravina. And Ravina trusted me.
Kina, her dark hair tangled from sleep, looked up at me with wide eyes. "Dexter… is this real? Are we really leaving this place?"
I placed a hand on her shoulder, my touch reassuring. "Yes, Kina. And it's going to be better than anything you've ever known."
