The journey back to the main city felt surreal. The convoy of rescue trucks sped down the cracked dirt roads, bouncing over uneven ground as the dense forest faded behind them.
The trees thinned out, giving way to wider paths and eventually paved roads.
The faint traces of civilization, broken fences, old road signs, and rusting guardrails, signaled their return to safety.
Yet Athena couldn't shake the tension that lingered in her chest.
The images of those twisted, infected crew members haunted her thoughts, and no amount of distance seemed to erase their grotesque faces from her mind.
The hospital's bright lights stung her eyes when they arrived. Blurry figures in sterile uniforms rushed toward them, shouting for gurneys and preparing emergency stations.
Athena felt her arm pulled as a nurse guided her to one side, but her gaze remained locked on her friends. Marco's body was limp, his face pale and slick with sweat.
