The weight of Eve’s revelation hung over the group like a storm cloud. The Reapers weren’t just hunting survivors. They were after something bigger, something buried in Eve’s past, something even she didn’t fully understand.  
Evelyn’s mind raced as they moved through the dense forest, weaving between towering trees and tangled roots. Every step felt heavier, as if the ground itself knew what was coming. The Reapers were close. Too close. And with them, a fight they might not be ready for.  
Lena led the way, her movements sharp and purposeful. Eve followed, her expression unreadable, as if she were holding back a thousand thoughts. Behind them, Riley, Mason, and Sarah kept their weapons ready, scanning their surroundings for any sign of danger.  
“Where are we even going?” Riley finally asked, her voice breaking the silence. “If we don’t know where the artifact is, how do we stop the Reapers?”  
Eve didn’t turn around. “We don’t need to find the artifact,” she said. “We need to make sure they don’t.”  
“That’s not much of a plan,” Mason muttered.  
Eve stopped suddenly, spinning to face them. “Do you think I’ve had time to come up with a plan? I’ve been running for months, trying to keep people alive. I don’t know what’s buried in my past, but I know one thing, the Reapers will do anything to get their hands on it. And if they do, we’re all dead.”  
Silence followed. No one had an argument for that.  
Lena sighed, rubbing a hand over her face. “She’s right. We don’t have time to chase something we don’t even understand. What we do have is an opportunity. If the Reapers think they can get to Eve, we use that against them.”  
Evelyn frowned. “You mean… bait them?”  
Lena nodded. “Draw them into a fight on our terms, not theirs.”  
Sarah crossed her arms. “And what if we lose? They have numbers, weapons. We barely have enough to defend ourselves.”  
“Then we don’t fight fair,” Eve said, her voice cold. “We make them regret ever coming after us.”  
A beat of silence passed between them. The decision had been made. They weren’t running anymore.  
Evelyn felt her pulse quicken. This wasn’t just about survival anymore. This was war.  
By the time they reached the outskirts of the settlement, the sun had disappeared, leaving only the silver glow of the moon. The air was thick with tension. The Reapers would arrive by morning.  
The settlement had transformed into a battlefield. Makeshift barricades lined the perimeter, reinforced with sharp spikes and broken glass. The survivors moved with quiet urgency, setting traps and preparing weapons.  
Lena had taken charge, directing the defenses with a sharp, practiced efficiency. Evelyn helped where she could, her hands moving on instinct, but her mind kept drifting back to Eve.  
She found her standing near the edge of camp, staring into the darkness beyond the trees.  
“You okay?” Evelyn asked.  
Eve didn’t answer at first. Then, in a quiet voice, she said, “I don’t want people to die because of me.”  
Evelyn exhaled, stepping closer. “People aren’t fighting because of you, Eve. They’re fighting because we’re all in this together. If the Reapers win, it won’t just be you who suffers. It’ll be everyone.”  
Eve turned to her, searching her face. “And if I turn myself in? If I give them what they want?”  
Evelyn’s stomach twisted. “You think they’ll stop there? The Reapers don’t just take what they want and leave. They destroy. They kill. You know that.”  
Eve looked away. “I just… I don’t want to be the reason people lose everything.”  
Evelyn placed a hand on her shoulder. “You’re not the reason. The Reapers are. And we’re not going to let them win.”  
Eve gave a small nod, but Evelyn could see the doubt in her eyes.  
She wasn’t sure if Eve truly believed they had a chance.  
And, if she was being honest, Evelyn wasn’t sure either.
The night was eerily quiet. Too quiet.  
Evelyn sat near the barricade, gripping her knife as she scanned the darkness. Riley and Mason were beside her, weapons ready. The Reapers would come soon. They all knew it.  
A distant rustling caught her attention. Then a shadow moved between the trees.  
Evelyn tensed. “They’re here.”  
Lena’s voice rang out from the other side of camp. “Positions! Stay sharp!”  
Silence followed. The forest held its breath.  
Then...
A gunshot.  
A scream.  
Chaos.  
Figures emerged from the trees, shadows moving fast. The Reapers had come.  
Evelyn barely had time to react before a hand grabbed her, yanking her back. She turned. 
Lena.  
Evelyn’s relief was short-lived. Lena’s eyes were cold.  
And in her hand...
A gun, pointed straight at her chest.  
Evelyn’s breath caught. “Lena…?”  
Lena’s expression didn’t change. “I’m sorry.”  
The words were soft, almost regretful. But the betrayal in them hit harder than any bullet.  
And then...
Darkness.