CHAPTER 26: 26: THE WORLD BEHIND HIGH WALLS

The walk to the base was tense, the group’s chatter filled with a mixture of wariness and dark humour. One woman, her hair tied back in a severe braid, kept glancing at Zara and muttering under her breath about "bringing kids into this hellhole."

Another man, stocky and heavily armed, cracked jokes about how long Winter and Zara’s "marriage" would last.

Zara focused on putting one foot in front of the other, her thoughts swirling. They don’t know about Leo. They can’t find out. She adjusted her coat, her grip tightening around her son’s tiny form.

Winter, ever observant, took in the group’s dynamics—the way Scar-Cheek barked orders but deferred to the older man, the subtle deference others gave to the woman with the braid. The two of them must be ability holders, then.

His sharp eyes swept the terrain, cataloguing exits and potential threats.

When they reached the base, Zara’s breath caught. It was a repurposed shopping mall fortified with makeshift barricades of steel and scrap.

Watchtowers fashioned from scaffolding loomed above, their sentries scanning the horizon with weapons ready. Survivors moved about the perimeter, their faces hard and worn.

Inside, the mall was a stark contrast to its pre-apocalypse glory. The once-bustling shops were now storage spaces and sleeping quarters. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and decay. Hushed conversations floated past them as they walked, snippets of worry and resentment.

"...took down a whole pack of hunters last night..."

"...heard they’re running out of food..."

"...don’t trust him. He’s hiding something..."

Winter filed away the bits of information as he walked, his expression unreadable. As they were led deeper into the mall, he leaned toward Zara, his voice a soft murmur. "Same plan as before. Supplies and out."

She nodded, her heart pounding. The memory of her last encounter with strangers—men who had tried to take everything from her, had taken their supplies and left her with this bad ankle—was still fresh. Her hands shook as she adjusted her coat, her fear gnawing at the edges of her resolve.

When they reached a central area, Scarface gestured to a makeshift infirmary. "Split ’em up," he ordered. "Check the wife’s leg and patch up the guy."

Winter stepped forward, his expression hard. "She stays with me."

The older man from the group blocked his path. "You’ve got your own injuries to deal with. Let the medics do their job."

Zara’s stomach dropped. "No," she said quickly, her voice trembling. "I’m fine—"

Winter’s jaw clenched, but he nodded reluctantly as he stared at their weapons.

"It’s okay," Winter sighed, his gaze locking with hers. "It’s just a check-up." His eyes softened briefly. "You’ll be fine."

Despite his reassurance, she felt her chest tighten as they pulled her away.

*****

The medic led Zara to a curtained-off area. She perched on the edge of a makeshift examination table, her muscles taut. Leo stirred against her chest, and she soothed him with a gentle pat, her voice a whisper. "It’s okay, baby. We’re okay."

"Did you say something?" Zara looked up at the medic who had walked over.

"Uhm, no. I—I didn’t say anything."

The medic knelt to examine her ankle, his touch surprisingly gentle. "This’ll just take a minute," he said. "Nice to see a pregnant woman these days. Gives people hope."

As he worked, Zara overheard snippets of conversation from nearby.

"...burned through another healer..."

"...reckless idiots think they’re invincible..."

"...don’t care if the mist gives them powers, they’ll get us all killed..."

Her unease deepened. When the medic finished, he stepped back and smiled. "Good as new."

Zara flexed her foot, her eyes widening as the pain vanished. The injury that had hobbled her for weeks was gone. "How...?"

"Gifted healer," he said with a shrug. "Comes in handy during these times."

Zara blinked, so they had gifted people here? What other powers were hidden in these walls?

They would definitely be in danger if they found out about Leo.

"T thank you for your help," she whispered.

The man glanced at her, his eyes narrowing slightly. "How far along are you?"

Zara blinked again, caught off guard. "Excuse me?"

"The baby," he said, nodding toward her coat. "Shouldn’t you let me check? Make sure everything’s okay?"

Zara forced a tight smile, panic flaring in her chest. "Thanks, but there’s no need to check the...uh...baby. It’s fine."

The medic chuckled. "Suit yourself."

*****

Meanwhile, Winter sat in another room, his shirt off as the woman with the braid from earlier examined his wound. Her touch was clinical, but her gaze lingered too long.

"You heal fast," she remarked, her voice light with curiosity.

"Lucky me," Winter replied curtly, his eyes scanning the room.

She laughed softly, leaning closer. "We don’t see many like you around here. Strong. Capable."

Winter ignored her, his thoughts drifting to Zara. He hated being separated from her, especially in a place like this. The people here were too suspicious, too reckless. It set his teeth on edge.

"Thinking about your wife?" the woman asked, breaking his thoughts.

He glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "Always."

The woman’s smirk dropped. "She’s fine. Go take a bath, clean yourself up. You stink."

Winter ignored the jab, his thoughts already spinning. Let these people think what they want.

He needed to find Zara and make sure she was safe. Then, they needed to get the supplies and get out of here—fast.

As Winter exited the infirmary, the woman’s lingering gaze burning into his back, he let out a sharp breath and shook off his discomfort. The air outside was heavy with dampness, the faint smell of rust and oil wafting through the mall’s maze-like corridors. He glanced around, noting every escape route, every barricade, and every suspicious face.

His instincts screamed at him that they were not safe here. But he couldn’t leave, not yet. Not with how vulnerable and scared Zara had looked at the thought of being alone with those people. Something had clearly happened when they were seperated.

A short, thin man approached him, carrying a jug of water. His teeth gleamed in a crooked grin. "Clean yourself up before you see your missus. Ain’t no way she’ll let you near her smelling like that." He shoved the jug into Winter’s hands before gesturing to a curtained-off area near what had once been a shoe store.

Winter took the jug without a word, his fingers tightening briefly around the handle. The man chuckled nervously and shuffled off. Winter stepped behind the curtain, his eyes scanning the small space—a bucket, a tattered cloth, and a drain that looked questionably functional.

He splashed water onto his face, the cool liquid briefly soothing the tension coiling in his muscles. His mind was elsewhere, already plotting their next move.

****

The medic’s parting chuckle echoed in Zara’s ears as she stepped back into the corridor, clutching Leo tightly. Her miraculously healed ankle felt foreign beneath her.

A wiry young man appeared, his expression unreadable as he gestured for her to follow. "They set up a bath for you in the courtyard," he said, not bothering to look at her. "Figured you’d want it."

Zara hesitated, clutching Leo tighter. The promise of clean water—warm water—was tempting, but her gut told her to stay vigilant. Still, the grime caking her skin, the sticky layer of sweat, and the dirt streaking Leo’s face pushed her to nod silently and follow.

The courtyard was small but surprisingly well-kept, bordered by high barricades of rusted metal and wooden planks. A large tub of steaming water sat in the centre, shrouded by a tattered curtain for modesty. Zara stared at it, her breath hitching. Clean water was a luxury she hadn’t dared to dream of in months.

The young man nodded toward the tub. "You’ve got ten minutes. Don’t waste it." With that, he disappeared, leaving her alone.

For a moment, Zara stood frozen, gripping Leo as if he might vanish. The quiet courtyard felt like a trap, the steam curling from the water like some cruel dream. She glanced around to ensure they were alone before stepping behind the curtain.

Her fingers trembled as she peeled the coat from her shoulders, revealing the bundle of Leo tucked against her chest. His sleepy eyes fluttered open as she whispered, "We’ll be quick, okay? Just you and me."

She dipped her hand into the water, warmth spreading over her skin. A soft gasp escaped her lips. It felt surreal.

Zara set Leo down gently, his small body swaying slightly as he adjusted to standing.

He rubbed his eyes and looked up at her with a tiny frown. "Water?" he whispered, his wide eyes lighting up.

"Yes, baby," Zara murmured, her voice cracking. "Real, clean water."

She gently unwrapped the dirty bindings on his arms and legs before taking off his clothes.

He wriggled free with a giggle, stark naked and blinking up at her nervously.

"It’s ok baby, we are just taking a bath like we used to at home," she cooed softly.

Leo stared at the tub warily, clutching her arm as if the water itself might leap out. "What if it’s scary?"

Zara smiled softly despite the heaviness in her chest. "It’s not scary. Look, I’ll go first." She stripped quickly, her movements hurried but careful, and she lifted Leo into the water.

The instant the warmth wrapped around her, Zara felt her body begin to unwind in ways it hadn’t for months. She sat in the tub, cradling Leo as he adjusted, his tiny fingers gripping her arms.

"Mama, it tickles," Leo giggled, splashing hesitantly.

Zara couldn’t help but smile, though it was weak. The weight of her exhaustion hit her all at once. The heat of the water worked its way into her muscles, and as much as she tried to keep her emotions bottled up, her vision blurred with tears. She turned her face away from Leo, letting the steam hide her breaking composure.

Her fingers ran gently over Leo’s arms and legs, inspecting the scrapes and bruises he’d collected on their journey. Guilt slammed into her like a tidal wave, stealing her breath.

"I’m sorry, Leo," she whispered, her hands brushing over his small injuries. "I should’ve protected you better. I should’ve—"

Leo blinked up at her, his head tilting. "What’s wrong, Mummy?"

She swallowed hard, forcing a shaky smile. "Nothing, baby. Nothing’s wrong."

But tears burned her eyes, blending with the droplets of water splashing onto her face. She cupped his cheek, pressing her forehead gently against his. "I love you so so much..." her voice cracked.

Leo giggled, his small hands patting her wet face. "You silly, Mummy. You crying?"

"No," she lied softly, brushing his curls back. "Just happy. Now, let’s get you scrubbed up."

He wriggled again, laughing as she lathered his hair and scrubbed at his arms. His giggles turned infectious, and she gasped in mock outrage when he flicked water at her. "Oh, you think that’s funny?"

"Yeah!" Leo shrieked, splashing her again.

"Oh, you’re in trouble now," she said, scooping water into her hands and dousing him with it.

His squeals of laughter echoed off the courtyard walls, and for a brief, precious moment, the weight of their reality lifted.

"Baby, not so loud," she shushed, smiling despite herself when he covered his mouth, tiny body shaking with his concealed giggles.

When they finally stopped, both soaked and breathless, Zara wrapped Leo in her arms and whispered against his damp curls, "I love you, my little Leo. So much."

Leo yawned, nuzzling into her chest. "Love you too, Mama."

She held him close, resting her chin on his damp curls. Her tears returned, silent and steady, hidden by the water’s steam and ripple.

For a brief moment, the world outside didn’t exist. No hunters. No fear. Just her and Leo, in the warmth of the tub.

*****

When their time was up, Zara reluctantly climbed out, drying them both with a threadbare towel left nearby. She dressed Leo in a fresh shirt from his hidden stash, then bundled him into her coat before slipping back into her own damp clothes. The moment they stepped out of the curtain, her guard was up again, scanning for any sign of danger.

When Zara returned to their assigned room, her damp hair sticking to her neck, Winter was still absent. Her coat lay neatly folded on the bed beside a tray of food, and she eyed it suspiciously before sitting down with Leo.

She pulled her backpack close and took out some rations to share with Leo.

They ate in silence, Zara straining her ears for any sounds outside the door. She couldn’t bring herself to trust the food the group had offered. Who knew their intentions?

Leo looked up at her with a thoughtful expression. "Mama, are we staying here?"

Zara froze, the question lodging itself like a thorn in her chest. She set down her ration, her gaze dropping to her lap. "We can’t stay here, baby," she said softly. "Not for long."

Leo tilted his head, confused. "Why not?"

Zara reached out to brush a crumb from his cheek, forcing a smile. "Because it’s not safe. But we’ll find somewhere nice, okay? Somewhere just for us."

Leo nodded solemnly, his small brow furrowing in thought. Then he rolled onto the bed, stretching out with a contented sigh. "I missed sleeping on a bed," he said innocently.

Zara’s smile faltered. He shouldn’t have to miss something so simple. His innocent comment felt like a dagger to her chest, a reminder of all she couldn’t give him. She reached out, brushing a hand through his damp curls. "Is that so?"

Leo rolled onto his side, propping himself up with one hand. "But it’s safer than outside, right? It’s so soff."

Zara’s heart clenched. She forced herself to smile again, gasping in mock horror. "What? You don’t like sleeping on me anymore?"

Leo’s head shot up, his eyes wide with alarm. "No! I love it! You’re the best bed ever, Mama!" He crawled over, clambering onto her lap and wrapping his arms around her neck. "Don’t cry, okay?"

Zara laughed softly, trapping him in a hug and rolling them both onto the bed. "Good, because I love it too," she whispered.

Leo squealed in delight, covering his mouth with his hands. "Shh, baby, not so loud," Zara whispered, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "We’ll find a good place. I promise."

Leo giggled, his voice muffled by his hands. Then, suddenly, he tilted his head. "Where’s Uncle?"

Zara froze, her brow furrowing. "Uncle?"

Leo nodded earnestly. "The uncle we travelled with. You said he was hurt."

Realization dawned on Zara, and she forced a smile. "He’s fine now, baby. Don’t worry."

Leo studied her for a moment, then nodded, satisfied. "Okay. I like Uncle. He’s funny."

Zara chuckled, stroking his hair. "Is he?" she asked, amused.

"Hmmn, I think so," Leo nodded again.

"I’ll let him know. Come on," she said, lying down with him. It’s time to sleep."

Leo stared at her for a moment before nodding, satisfied. "Okay," he said simply, snuggling against her.

Zara held him close, her smile fading as her thoughts turned inward. The laughter and warmth of the moment were a fragile balm against the gnawing anxiety in her chest. She couldn’t shake the feeling that they had walked into something dangerous.

As Leo’s breathing slowed, Zara stared at the door, her fingers brushing absently through his hair. What have I gotten us into?