A few minutes passed in a strange, subdued atmosphere as the tension from earlier slowly dissolved into quiet preparation.
The groups that had gathered in the garage began to move one after another, their departure orderly yet cautious, as if each of them understood that the moment they stepped out of the camp, they would be entering a world where survival was never guaranteed.
Max watched them carefully.
There was no unnecessary chatter now.
No wasted movement.
Every group moved with purpose.
Seeing this, Max understood that it was time for them to leave as well.
He turned his gaze toward Lucia and studied her expression for a brief moment. The earlier disturbance had clearly shaken her, but now she seemed to have regained her composure. The unease in her eyes had faded, replaced once again by the calm and focused demeanor he had seen before.
Max felt a quiet sense of relief.
"Let us go," Rose said as she stepped forward, naturally taking the lead.
