章 30: CHAPTER 30

The sunlight hit my face the moment we stepped outside, blinding me for a second. The heat was brutal, making the air feel heavier with each breath. My leg throbbed with every step I took, and I couldn't hide the small gasps of pain that slipped out.

Alex noticed, of course. He always did, even if he pretended not to care.

"You need to let me know if you can't keep going," he said, his voice flat but not unkind.

"I'm fine," I murmured, gripping his arm tighter for support.

He didn't respond, just adjusted his pace to match mine. For a moment, it was almost... quiet. No snark, no arguments. Just the sound of our footsteps crunching against the cracked pavement and the distant hum of the wind whipping through the hollowed-out buildings.

I didn't know if I liked it or if it scared me more.