Zubair put the Hummer in neutral, coasting it behind a cluster of dead pines overlooking the basin. The shadows stretched long and gold, unmoving. Afternoon forever.
Lachlan tapped the side window. "If we skirt left, we'll find the convoy lane they've been using. Might lead to their holding pits."
"That's where we start," Zubair agreed.
Sera's eyes stayed on the compound. "He's waiting for something."
"What?" Elias asked.
She didn't answer.
Below, Saint Marrow raised both arms. A horn sounded once, long and low. The cages near the west fence shook as if something inside had woken.
"Zombies," Alexei said under his breath. "Stupid zombies."
Zubair felt the vibration through the ground. The air changed—electric, heavy. The creature inside him shivered in response.
They smell her. They feel her. But they know they can't handle her. Not like we can.
