The Hell expedition team paused beneath the dense, shadowy trees of the forest, taking a moment to catch their breath and recharge. They ate in silence, their energy and stamina slowly returning after the grueling battles they'd faced.
Broken, on the other hand, sat off to the side, deliberately keeping his distance. It wasn't just that he had no desire to talk to anyone—he genuinely couldn't be bothered to try. Socializing had never been his strong suit, and deep down, he believed he needed no one, as long as he could achieve his own ends.
Still, there were a few things nagging at him that he wanted to sort out. Craving some solitude, he found a nearby tree and settled against its sturdy trunk. He pulled out some food Ivana had prepared for him and ate quietly, lost in his own thoughts.
"Polly, can you come out?" he whispered.