The only real challenge was the thickening fog ahead—so dense that Miles could barely see a thing. From the green haze, hordes of zombies came charging out, their distorted silhouettes closing in fast. Then Theresa heard it again—explosions. A rolling thunder of detonations tore through the mist, followed by the crack of gunfire and the flare of burning arrows lighting up the gloom. A powerful beam of light pierced the fog. It was Solan's team. "Theresa, it's Solan up front!" Flora's voice shook with excitement. Theresa's tense expression eased slightly. "Step on it! Push through!" Everyone rushed toward the light. Behind them, the air filled with the guttural roars of zombies giving chase. Miles floored the gas pedal. Guided by Solan's lights and covered by his firepower, they broke free of the toxic fog three minutes later—bursting onto open high ground. Ahead stood Solan and his people, fully armed and waiting. "We made it out!" "We're out!" The entire truck erupted with joy. Even Theresa, normally composed and stern, allowed herself a faint smile. Only Orren was quiet. Seeing Solan again, the pride and swagger he usually carried were gone. Half an hour later, everyone returned safely to Solan Camp. Luck had been on their side—no casualties. In truth, Theresa had never planned for anyone to die. Her team's role was only to assist—she was the one meant to face every danger head-on.If everything had gone according to her plan, Louisa and the others would never have been in real danger. In moments where life and death hung by mere seconds, if Louisa's team hadn't tried to rescue anyone and had simply followed orders to trigger the blast on time, those few seconds would've been enough for Theresa—and they would've never been caught in the toxic fog. Still, it was over, and they had come to help. Theresa wasn't about to blame anyone. As soon as they arrived, Arwen came running. "Babe!" She threw herself into Solan's arms, eyes scanning him anxiously. "I'm fine, not a scratch," Solan said with a grin that deepened the lines on his face. "Are you sure?" "Mission accomplished, Arwen!" he said, giving her a mock salute. "Cut the act, soldier. Where's Orren?" Arwen playfully scolded, then turned, searching for her brother. Orren had stepped out of Louisa's truck, unusually silent—none of his usual confidence, just standing there, withdrawn. Arwen frowned. "Orren, what's wrong? Are you hurt?" He shook his head. "What is it, then?" she pressed, before glaring at Solan. "Solan! What happened to my brother?" Solan raised his hands. "Orren's fine. I just talked to Flora—they said he was incredibly brave today. At the crucial moment, he shielded the board so the vehicle could get through. I even praised him for it." Arwen's eyes widened in shock and relief. "Orren, you did what? That was too dangerous!" "Honey," Solan said gently, "the kid earned his stripes. Give him some credit." "I didn't," Orren muttered suddenly. "Just… stop talking." The edge in his voice froze the air. Arwen's worry deepened. "Orren, what's wrong? Did you hit something just now? Are you hurt? Tell me if you're feeling off. You really surprised me today—I'm proud of you.""Enough," he said quietly, voice heavy as lead. Then a clear, cool voice cut through the tension. "I underestimated you," Theresa said, arms crossed, her gaze steady on him. "You're not as useless as I thought." Orren froze, stunned. Theresa gave him a single, dismissive glance before turning to Solan. "Mr. Rowen, we'll be leaving." "Ms. Hall, so soon? Stay for dinner at least." "No time—we have things to handle." She turned and walked toward her helicopter, where Quentin was already aboard. "I'll keep in touch," Theresa said. "I'll have the supplies sent over as soon as possible." "Thank you, Ms. Hall!" Solan replied, saluting her. Theresa returned the gesture and stepped into the aircraft. Just before boarding, she looked back at Louisa's group. Before she could speak, Louisa blurted out, "Theresa, I want to go with you!" Theresa's eyes swept over the group, calm but firm. "All right. If you're coming, get on the helicopter."