The valley was deceptive—lush, almost green at the edges where the frost hadn't claimed every inch of soil. The deeper they ventured, the more signs they found of human activity. Footprints. Burned-out fire pits. Empty ration cans half-buried in snow.
Aria kept her hand near her weapon. She knew the smugglers wouldn't appreciate unannounced guests.
Kael moved like a ghost beside her, every step deliberate. "We're being watched," he said, voice low.
"Let them watch," Aria murmured. "They'll come to us eventually. They always do."
Rhea trailed behind, eyes wide, trying to absorb everything—the trees that bent toward sunlight, the sound of distant water trickling. Her awe was a contrast to Aria's caution, Kael's weariness.
An hour later, they reached it—a hidden enclave built into a rock face, camouflaged by old tarps and solar panels. It was far from welcoming.
A man stepped forward from the shadows. Unshaven, wrapped in layers of patchwork clothing. "State your name. And why I shouldn't shoot you where you stand."
Aria didn't flinch. "Because I have something worth more than bullets." She held up the data chip.
That got their attention.
The man's gaze flicked between the three of them, assessing. "You'll speak to Mara."
They were led inside. The camp was rough—tents, crates, oil barrels used as heaters. People looked like ghosts of a world gone wrong, but their eyes were sharp.
Mara sat in a makeshift throne—a woman with sharp cheekbones, shaved hair, and a rifle resting across her knees.
"You've got five minutes," she said. "Talk."
Aria stepped forward. "We escaped a cryo-research facility. This chip contains everything—experiments, coordinates, supply caches, even failed subject logs. You could control the region with this."
Mara arched a brow. "And what do you want?"
"Shelter. Supplies. Safe passage when we need it."
Kael added, "And no questions."
That made Mara smile. "People like you… always come with questions."
Aria didn't respond. She didn't need to.
Mara leaned forward, intrigued. "You've got a deal—for now."