In Karyal City, on the far corner of the outskirts, where the abandoned buildings leaned against each other and the streets were cracked and overgrown with weeds.
Seris Vale walked slowly toward the forest.
The morning sun cast pale light across the crumbling colony, illuminating broken windows and rusted signs that had long since lost their meaning.
After spending three months in Karyal City, she had finally found a way to escape without anyone knowing.
She had studied the patrol routes, memorized the guard rotations, and waited for the right moment. Today was that moment.
She entered the abandoned and destroyed colony.
The buildings here had been empty for years, their walls scarred by fire and neglect. Broken glass crunched beneath her boots, and the wind carried the scent of dust and decay.
Seris walked slowly, her amber eyes scanning the ruins.
Her senses were on full alert, stretched thin, searching for any presence, any movement, any sign that she was not alone.
