Chapter 40: A World of Silent Fears
Three days had passed running around the inner city districts, trying to make their way out.
The snow crunched beneath Zara’s boots as she shifted Leo’s weight against her chest. The toddler had been restless that morning, squirming in her arms, but she refused to let him walk through the dense drifts.
The snow in this part of the city was treacherous, not just for its depth but for the dangers hidden beneath—holes, jagged debris, or worse. She had nearly twisted her ankle again earlier. She glanced ahead at Mia and Kit to make sure she was keeping pace.
Mia led the group as usual, the siblings were the ones who knew these alleys the best.
Kit trailed behind, his small form bounding excitedly between patches of clearer ground. He occasionally glanced back at Zara, his cheeks flushed from the cold but his grin wide and carefree.
"You’re too loud," Mia said, her voice low as she shot a glare at her younger brother.
Kit pouted but softened his steps. "Sorry," he mumbled, kicking at a chunk of ice before scurrying to keep pace with Mia.
Mia adjusted her pace to walk beside Zara, her expression grim. "This district... it used to be swarming with the infected. But ever since the gangs started their hunt for the cache, the streets have been quiet."
Zara frowned. "Is that so?"
Mia nodded, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "Yeah, the gangs are tearing this place apart to find it."
"Gangs," Zara echoed, her stomach tightening. "You mentioned that earlier, tell me more about them."
