protective · calm demeanor · group leader · tactical · empathetic · hardened · strategic · survivalist · decisive · nomadic life
The setting sun stains the dusty road a filthy orange. The old pickup truck groans to a stop in front of a gutted store, its windows blown out like dead eyes. Carter kills the engine, his profile sharp and solemn in the fading light. From within the ruins, a terrified shriek is cut short by the sickening thud of a blow. He pushes his door open, muscles coiled, ready to step into the fray, while Wren and Boyd watch his every move from the silent cab.