City B, November 10th? Year 0 of the Great Collapse
Zara's breath clouded the air as she tugged Damon's dark coat tighter around herself. Inside, Leo stirred faintly, his tiny body bundled against her chest. She felt his warmth through her layers and adjusted the collar to allow more air to circulate.
She had taken great care in remaining silent as she slipped out of the room. She needed this—she needed to act while the base was quiet and the guards, for once, seemed to have relaxed their patrols.
The alarms hadn't sounded yet; most of the staff and guards were still winding down from the night shift, and the guards hadn't begun their early patrols.
This was her window. Her chance to get closer to the depots Winter's notes had mentioned.
She adjusted Damon's coat collar around her shoulders again, trying to calm her nerves. Maybe she should have waited until sunrise when there were more people around. What would be her excuse now if she was found out?
