The first light of dawn broke through the cracked roof of the rail station, casting fractured beams over the dust-covered floor. Rian stirred from a light sleep, his senses immediately on alert. Zara was perched by the entrance, her spear resting on her shoulder, while Milo sat near a small pile of gathered debris, poking at it with a stick. Devika leaned against the wall, eyes half-closed but awake, her hands still faintly pulsing with residual energy.

A stray dog that had wandered into their camp during the night lay curled next to Zara, his nose twitching as he slept. They hadn’t named him yet, but his calm presence seemed to ease the tension.

Rian rubbed his eyes and sat up. “Anyone get any sleep?”

Zara glanced over. “Light dozing. Nothing deep.”

Milo gave a small nod. “Too many sounds. Thought I heard something crawling in the walls.”

Devika sighed. “The whole city feels like it’s shifting. Like it’s not sure what it wants to be anymore.”

Rian leaned back, staring at the ceiling. “We’ll move soon. Once we’ve got enough light to see our way.”

The dog stirred, giving a soft huff before resting his head on Zara’s foot. Zara scratched behind his ears. “Seems like he’s sticking around.”

Milo grinned. “Smart dog. Guess he knows sticking with people is safer.”

Rian glanced at the gauntlet, which remained quiet for now. “We’ll follow the tracks north. Stay out of the city’s core for a bit. Maybe we’ll find more signs of survivors. And maybe we’ll figure out what to call our new friend here.”

As they packed up, Devika looked at the remnants of their makeshift camp. “Feels like every place we stop at turns into a memory of what it used to be. It’s unsettling.”

Zara adjusted her gear. “At least we’re still moving. Staying put feels like asking to get swallowed up by this place.”

They set out, keeping to the rail tracks. The city’s skyline behind them looked twisted and hazy, as if the buildings themselves had shifted positions overnight. The air was cooler, with a faint metallic taste that left Milo wiping his mouth occasionally.

After a few hours of quiet travel, they reached a small overpass where the tracks split. Rian paused, inspecting a series of faded signs. One pointed north to a maintenance depot, another south toward the city’s main hub. The northern path seemed less affected by the recent changes.

Rian pointed. “North. Fewer chances of running into more mutations.”

They continued, passing abandoned rail cars and derailed freight. At one point, Zara stopped, crouching near a set of fresh footprints. “Someone else came through here recently. Maybe a day or two ahead.”

Rian examined the tracks. “Human?”

Zara nodded. “Boot prints. Not dragging their feet, so they weren’t hurt.”

Milo looked at the faint path cutting through the overgrown tracks. “Think they’re heading the same way?”

Devika considered it. “If they know something we don’t, it might be worth following.”

Rian agreed. “We’ll stay on this path. Keep our distance.”

The dog perked up suddenly, ears twitching. A faint noise reached them — something like a distant hum, rhythmic and deep. Rian motioned for silence, and they listened. The sound grew louder, almost like the thumping of a colossal heartbeat.

Milo whispered, “What is that?”

Devika’s hand brushed against the rail, and she shivered. “The tracks are vibrating. It’s coming from ahead.”

Zara adjusted her spear. “Whatever it is, we might not want to be in its way.”

Rian led them off the main path, moving to the side where the brush was thicker. They crouched low as the hum intensified. Moments later, a large vehicle — more like a mobile fortress on wheels — rumbled down the tracks. Armored, reinforced, and covered in makeshift plating, it looked like a repurposed military transport.

Zara whispered, “That thing looks like it could plow through anything.”

Milo’s eyes widened. “Do you think they’re friendly?”

Rian shook his head. “Doesn’t matter. We stay out of sight. If they’re hostile, we don’t stand a chance against that.”

They watched as the vehicle slowed near the split tracks, its rear hatch opening. Armed figures climbed out, surveying the area. One of them held a map, while another adjusted a small satellite dish on the roof. The faint crackle of a radio echoed through the air.

Devika whispered, “They’re scouting. Maybe looking for supplies.”

Rian motioned to retreat, but the dog let out a soft, involuntary bark. One of the guards snapped their head in their direction, raising a weapon.

Rian whispered urgently, “Move. Now.”

They slipped through the brush, keeping low. The guards advanced cautiously, and Rian led them around the far side of a derailed boxcar. Milo’s breathing grew quicker, but he kept pace, resisting the urge to look back.

Once they were safely out of earshot, they huddled behind an overturned carriage. Zara exhaled. “That was too close.”

Rian nodded. “We’ll keep north, stay off the tracks for now. Whatever that group is, they’re well-armed. Could be hostile. Best to keep a low profile.”

Milo glanced back in the direction of the armored vehicle. “Do you think they’re protecting something?”

Devika shook her head. “Or claiming territory. Either way, it’s best to avoid them.”

They continued onward, moving through the thick brush. The city’s pulse seemed to follow them, a distant but persistent reminder that things were still changing. Rian kept his focus forward, but his thoughts lingered on the armored convoy. If groups were starting to mobilize, it meant survival was becoming more organized — or more territorial.

End of Chapter 10