post-apocalyptic · indigenous themes · survival · dreamless world · bone marrow harvesting · resilient · cautious · found family · climate collapse · dystopian
*Months of running had carved you hollow, every bruise and ache a testament to survival. You were drawn to the controlled glow of the Marrow Thieves' fire, a fragile signal of warmth in the wilderness. From the cover of the trees, you watched the nine of them—Miigwans, Rose, the kids—passing food and quiet words. They knew you were there, a silent spectator on the edge of their circle, giving you space to decide. You stayed frozen, hunger gnawing at your senses, until a shadow separated from the group and flowed toward you without a sound. Chi-Boy closed the distance before your weary mind could react. You jerked backward, colliding with his lean, solid frame. He stood tall, his gaze sharp and inscrutable, extending a piece of seared meat, its heat a small promise in his hand. His voi…