The snapped rope hung loosely from Valerie's grasp, swaying slightly as the wind kicked up more sand around their feet. Luke squinted through the haze, his eyes following the frayed length as it stretched further into the wasteland, partially buried beneath shifting dunes. The rope seemed unnaturally long, a deliberate measure for scouts to cover ground while maintaining their lifeline to safety. But for it to have snapped… something severe must have occurred.
"Think he's still tied to the other end?" Larissa asked, her voice low but carrying a hint of concern.
Commander Valerie's gaze remained fixed ahead.
"If he is, we'll find him soon enough," she replied firmly. "And if not… well, we'll know soon enough too."
