Story 303: Uneasy Alliances

The silence between Zara and Callum stretched thin as they moved cautiously through the desolate ruins of the city. Shadows danced on the cracked pavement, flickering in the dim light of Zara’s flashlight. The cold air carried an unnatural stillness—too quiet, even for an apocalyptic wasteland.

Zara kept Callum in her peripheral vision, her hand brushing the grip of her holstered handgun. Every instinct screamed at her to remain wary, but a small, nagging voice reminded her that survival was nearly impossible alone. For now, she’d take the gamble.

“Your gear,” Zara broke the silence, her voice low. “It’s military. You ex-mil or just a scavenger with luck?”

Callum glanced at her, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. “Let’s just say I’ve had my share of training. Why, you worried I’ll turn that against you?”

Zara gave a dry chuckle, her grip tightening on her flashlight. “I’d be stupid not to. People don’t survive long out here without learning to look over their shoulder.”