From the top of a small hill, Jamie crouched low, her eyes narrowing as a faint rumble echoed through the storm.
A supply car, its headlights cutting dimly through the curtain of rain, rolled to a stop on the distant road.
Her grip tightened on the hilt of her blade. The vehicle's nose tilted toward the direction of their valley, and for a moment her heart pounded like a drum.
'Did they find us? Do I strike first?'
Her breath came faster, her body coiled to spring into action—until the car's engine rumbled again and the vehicle slowly turned away, continuing on the road until it vanished from sight.
Jamie exhaled, shoulders slumping with relief.
"Tch… I almost thought I'd have to fight again."
She slid down the slope, boots crunching softly on the wet ground as she circled the valley once more.
She checked every ridge, every shadow, every possible entry point. But no figures approached. No lights shone.
Finally, convinced it was safe, she allowed herself to relax.
