I continued to watch Logan out of the corner of my eye. His entire demeanour radiated a psychopathic buzz, an excitement that unnerved me deeply. I could see it in his eyes—the thrill of the kill, the power it gave him.

Rebecca, noticing my unease, turned to me. "Daphne, are you okay?"

I forced a smile, but my insides were churning. "I think I'm going to head to bed, Rebecca."

Rebecca looked surprised. "Already? But Logan might want to talk to you."

"Just tell him I'm sleeping," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm exhausted."

Rebecca hesitated, glancing towards Logan. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," I insisted, giving her arm a reassuring squeeze. "I'll see you in the morning."

I slipped away to my room, where Ava was already asleep. The sight of her peaceful face brought tears to my eyes. I crawled into bed next to her, curling up and hugging her tightly.

My mind raced; how could I fall for someone like Logan? A part of me knew he was a psychopath, but another part of me understood the game we were playing. It was about survival, power, and protection. Logan brought all of that, but at what cost?

The anxiety growled at me as I held Ava closer, trying to find comfort in her warmth. How could I reconcile these feelings? How could I love someone capable of such brutality?

But deep down, I knew. I understood the necessity of it all. This was the world we lived in now—a world where power meant survival, and Logan was the key to that.

As I lay there, torn between my fear and my understanding, I realised I had to keep playing the game. For Ava. For all of us really.

The morning light crept in, gently nudging me awake. I glanced at the clock; it was only 5 a.m. Despite the brief rest, I knew I wouldn't be able to fall back asleep. Quietly, I slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Ava, who was nestled next to me.

I decided a jog might help clear my mind. It had been a while since I had the freedom to run without constantly looking over my shoulder. Logan wasn't as strict with security anymore, a fact that both relieved and worried me. It meant he trusted me more than ever before.

I moved through the safe house as quietly as possible, grabbing a mask and a few weapons—a knife and my signature bow and arrow. I knew the risks of the mutated virus and the potential threats lurking outside, but I needed this time to myself.

Once outside, I took a deep breath of the crisp morning air, the mask slightly muffling the sensation. The world was eerily quiet, the remnants of civilisation hidden beneath the overgrowth and decay. I started jogging, my steps light and careful, always alert to my surroundings. 

The streets were deserted, the only sound my breathing and the rhythmic pounding of my feet against the pavement. I pushed myself harder, trying to outrun the confusion and fear that had settled in my chest. But no matter how fast I ran, I couldn't escape the reality of our situation.

As I ran, my thoughts drifted back to Logan. Last night's events played over in my mind. The blood, the excitement in his eyes—it was all too much. A part of me was repulsed by his psychopathic tendencies, yet another part of me understood the necessity of his actions in this world. It was a constant struggle, reconciling my feelings for him with the reality of who he had become.

After a while, I found myself slowing down, the exertion catching up with me. I stopped near an old, abandoned park, the swings and slides covered in rust and vines. I took a moment to catch my breath, scanning the area for any signs of movement. Satisfied that I was alone, I allowed myself a brief moment of vulnerability, leaning against a tree and closing my eyes.

I closed my eyes for a few seconds, trying to reel myself together. The run had helped, but the weight of everything still pressed heavily on my mind. I took a deep breath, willing myself to stay calm.

Suddenly, I heard voices nearby. WHO WAS THAT?  My eyes snapped open, and I quickly grabbed my knife, standing cautiously behind the tree. Peeking out, I saw two kids pulling a small trolley of scrap. They looked harmless, but in this world, appearances could be deceiving.

I squinted my eyes, trying to get a better look. There was something familiar about one of the boys. As they got closer, recognition dawned on me. When I first arrived at the safehouse, Logan had stationed me at one of his posts. That little boy had been there, alongside another man with heavy tattoos.

That boy is awfully familiar. Where have I seen him before? WAIT..

My heart skipped a beat as the memory flooded back. The man with the tattoos—he had attacked the kitchen staff, infected by the mutated virus. Logan had shot him out of mercy. The image of that day was seared into my mind, a reminder of the constant danger we lived in.

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As I watched the two kids disappear into the distance, a wave of guilt washed over me. They were all alone in this brutal world, scavenging for scraps just to survive. I hesitated, torn between wanting to help and the fear that the man who had the infected virus might have affected them too. But then I remembered what Logan had told me: the virus takes full control within 24 hours. 

If the boys had been infected, they would have shown signs by now.

I made a quick decision to follow them, keeping a safe distance. Moving silently through the streets, I trailed the kids until they reached a small, dilapidated shed. They slipped inside, and I cautiously approached, peering through a crack in the wooden wall.

My heart broke at the sight. The shed was barely more than a ramshackle shelter, offering little protection from the elements. The older boy, who looked no older than nine, was clearly struggling. They had a few meagre belongings—a thin blanket, some cans of food, and a small pile of collected scrap.

The older boy, was trying to comfort the younger one, who I recognised. He was around Ava's age, 4. Both looked scared and exhausted. It was a heart-breaking scene of vulnerability and innocence lost to the harshness of our world.

I leaned against the wall, wrestling with my emotions. These kids were so young, too young to be fending for themselves in a world as dangerous as this. They needed protection, guidance, and a safe place to stay.

But bringing them back to the safehouse was risky. It would require Logan's approval, and I wasn't sure how he would react. I knew he had a soft spot for children, but taking in two more mouths to feed was a significant decision.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my thoughts. I couldn't just leave them here. But how could I approach them without scaring them? And how could I convince Logan to let them stay?

Stepping back from the shed, I made my way to a nearby alley where I could watch them without being seen. I needed to come up with a plan, a way to help these boys without endangering them—or myself.

As I stood there, hidden in the shadows, I couldn't shake the image of their frightened faces. They deserved a chance, a glimmer of hope in this bleak world. And I was determined to find a way to give it to them.

I took a deep breath and approached the boys quietly, not wanting to startle them. The closer I got, the more I realised how young and vulnerable they looked. If it were Ava, I would want someone to take care of her.

"Hey," I called out softly, trying hard not to scare them. "I want to help you."

The boys jumped, eyes wide with fear and suspicion. The older one quickly put himself between me and the younger one, his small body tense and ready to protect his sibling.

"Who are you?" he demanded, his voice shaky but brave.

I knelt down, trying to appear as non-threatening as possible. "My name is Daphne. I saw you from a distance and... well, I couldn't just leave you out here. You need help."

The boys exchanged a glance, clearly skeptical but also desperate. "Why should we trust you?" the older one asked.

"I have a little sister," I explained, my voice gentle. "If she were out here, I'd want someone to help her. You shouldn't have to do this alone."

The boys exchanged another glance, still unsure. "We've always been together," the older boy said. "Just the two of us. We don't trust strangers."

I nodded, understanding their hesitation. "I get it. You have to be careful. But I can bring you food and protection. You don't have to come with me, not yet. Just let me help you, for now."

The younger boy, who had been silent until now, looked up at his brother with pleading eyes. "I'm hungry," he whispered.

The older boy let his guard down at his brother's words. He looked back at me, his eyes filled with a mix of desperation and distrust. "Okay," he said finally. "But we stay here. You bring us food and we'll see."

Thanks for giving me the chance to help, I will not let you down boys.

A sense of relief washed over me. It was a small victory, but it was a start. "Deal," I said, smiling softly. "I'll be back soon with supplies. Stay safe."

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I crept back into the safehouse, the early morning light just peaked through the windows. I made my way quietly to Rebecca's room, hoping she was awake. Knocking softly, I slipped inside when I heard her call out to enter.

"Hey, Rebecca," I whispered, closing the door behind me. "I need to talk to you about something."

Rebecca sat up in bed, concern knitting her brows together. "What is it, Daphne? You look troubled."

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. "I found two boys out there," I began, trying to keep my voice steady. "They're all alone, living in a shed. I promised them food and protection."

Rebecca's eyes widened with sympathy. "Oh, Daphne," she murmured. "That's heart-breaking. But... Logan won't like you stealing supplies. You'll have to tell him."

You're right but not after last night, he is an absolute psycopath. Did we see the same guy? How does it not bother you? Well to be fair, you must have gotten used to him now.

"I know," I admitted, feeling a knot of guilt tighten in my stomach. "But after seeing him covered in blood last night... I don't know, Rebecca. I need some distance from him for a bit especially because I have feelings for him... my head and heart are not on the same wavelength."

Rebecca nodded understandingly, reaching out to squeeze my hand. "It's okay, Daphne. I'll talk to him for you. He needs to know about those boys."

YOU'RE THE BEST, BECKS! ooooooo Becks. I like that nickname.

Relief flooded through me, grateful for Rebecca's support. "Thank you," I whispered. "I just... I need some time."

Rebecca assured me softly. "Let me handle Logan. You did a good thing, Daphne. Those boys are lucky you found them."

I managed a weak smile, thankful for Rebecca's kindness, hugging her tightly. 

With a nod of gratitude, I quietly slipped out of Rebecca's room, my mind racing with thoughts of those boys and the complexities of life in our shattered world.

I slipped out of Rebecca's room with a silent promise to return soon. I padded down the hallway, my footsteps barely making a sound on the worn floorboards. The early morning light filtered through grimy windows, casting long shadows that seemed to track my every move. I kept to the shadows, feeling the weight of the knives I had tucked into my belt.

As I reached the kitchen, I found it empty and eerily quiet. The scent of bread and faint traces of yesterday's stew hung in the air. I moved swiftly, grabbing a sturdy canvas bag from a shelf and starting to fill it with provisions: canned goods, bottles of water, and a few apples I found. I crept into the store room and grabbed a few medical supplies, swiftly stuffing the items into my bag.

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Approaching quietly, my heart raced with anticipation. The boys were huddled near an abandoned shed, their faces lighting up with surprise and hope as they saw me approach.

"Hey there," I greeted them softly, offering a reassuring smile. "I brought some supplies for you." I set down a backpack filled with food, water, and essentials they might need.

The older boy, wary but curious, cautiously approached the bag and began to check its contents. "Why are you helping us?" he asked suspiciously.

Kneeling down to their eye level, I answered earnestly, "Because no one should have to fend for themselves out here. I know it's tough, but you don't have to do it alone anymore."

The younger boy, barely 4 years old, peeked out from behind his brother's shoulder. "Are you going to take us away?" he asked, voice trembling.

I hesitated, understanding their fear of the unknown. "Not if you don't want to," I assured them gently. "But I promise you'll be safer with us. There are people who can look after you."

The older boy exchanged a look with his younger brother, silently communicating. After a moment, he turned back to me, resignation in his eyes. "Okay," he nodded. "But only if we can stay together."

I smiled warmly, relieved. "Of course," I agreed wholeheartedly. "Stick with me, and I'll make sure you have everything you need."

---------------------------------------------------------------

We made our way back to the safehouse, by then we had learnt each others names; Jamie and Liam. As I approached the entrance with the boys in tow, Rebecca came running downstairs, her face flushed with urgency.

"Daphne! I've been waiting for you," she whispered, glancing around nervously. "I couldn't find Logan, and I haven't told him anything. I made sure everyone's occupied so they wouldn't suspect anything or see the boys. I had a feeling you'd convince them to come."

I breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Rebecca. I didn't want to leave them out there any longer."

Rebecca nodded, looking at the boys with a mix concern. "Let's hide them in the old warehouse for now. It's the safest place until we figure out what to do next."

I turned to the boys, giving them a reassuring smile. "Come on, we're going to take you somewhere safe."

Rebecca, the boys, and I stumbled into the dark warehouse. The oppressive silence was broken by the sudden flick of a switch, and blinding light flooded the room. My heart sank as I saw Logan and his men surrounding us. Liam, just four years old, quickly hid behind me, clutching my leg tightly. In the centre of the room, a man sat tied to a chair, his face bloodied and bruised. I watched in horror.

Logan stepped forward, his gaze cold and calculating. "Why are you here?" he asked, his voice dangerously calm.

Rebecca spoke up quickly, her voice trembling. "Daphne went for a run and found these boys. We... we brought them here."

Logan's face dropped, his eyes narrowing as he turned to me. "You left the safehouse without my permission?"

My annoyance flared up. I pointed at the tortured man in the chair. "Space between us is clearly evident, Logan. Look at what you're doing."

Jamie, who was holding Liam's hand tightly, looked up at me with wide eyes. "I thought it was safe," he said softly, his voice shaking.

Logan's jaw tightened, and he stepped closer to me, his eyes never leaving mine. "You shouldn't have gone out alone, Daphne. It's dangerous."

I stared at Logan, my anger boiling just over the surface. "I don't know what's more dangerous—the world out there or you," I seethed, my voice calm but with pure fury.

Logan twitched, a mix of anger and fear flashing in his eyes. Before he could react, I grabbed the boys' hands and led them out of the warehouse. Rebecca ran after us, her footsteps echoing in the silence.

Tears streamed down my face as we hurried away. "I shouldn't have brought the boys here," I said, my voice breaking. "It was a mistake. Logan will probably mould them into killing machines. I can't stay here anymore, Rebecca. Let's run away. Me, you, Ava, and the boys. We can be free. We're good at survival, taking care of the kids. We can do it."

Rebecca's eyes widened in shock. "Daphne, you can't be serious. Logan would go absolutely mental. He'd track us all down. There's no escaping him."

My panic spiralled out of control, my breaths coming in ragged gasps. "But I can't let the boys stay here, Rebecca. Ava, I jus-, she needs to get away from here too. I can't let Logan turn them into something they're not."

Rebecca grabbed my shoulders, forcing me to look at her. "Daphne, we need to think this through. Running away isn't the answer".

I sobbed, feeling the weight of the situation crushing me. "I just want to protect them, Rebecca. I want to protect all of us. I am mad for getting close to him. I don't want any of this but a part of me knows Logan knows I am made for this. We have to do something."

"We will," she said firmly, despite tearing up too. "But we need to be smart about it. Let's get the boys settled for now, and then we can figure out what to do. We'll find a way to keep them safe, I promise."

I nodded, wiping my tears. "Okay. Okay, we'll figure it out."

As we led the boys to a safer part of the safehouse, my mind raced with possibilities. I knew Rebecca was right—we couldn't just run. But somehow, I had to find a way to protect Jamie and Liam from Logan's influence. And in the process, maybe I could protect myself, too.

Jamie and Liam were trembling, their small hands gripping mine tightly as we stood outside the safehouse. They both refused to go inside, their eyes wide with fear.

Rebecca knelt down to their level, her voice gentle and soothing. "It's okay, boys. You'll be safe here. We promise to always protect you."

I nodded, trying to reassure them. "No matter what happens, we won't let anything hurt you. You can trust us."

After a few moments of hesitation, they finally agreed. We led them inside and up to Ava's bedroom. Ava's eyes lit up when she saw them, excitement and shock written all over her face. "There are kids my age here?" she asked, beaming.

She ran over and hugged Liam and Jamie. Liam looked at Jamie, who seemed unsure at first, but then he looked up at me and something seemed to click. He saw Ava's happiness and started to understand.

Jamie's eyes softened as he looked at me. "Now I get why you were being nice to us. You have someone to protect too."

I smiled, feeling a lump in my throat. "Yes, Jamie. I do. And I promise, I'll protect you just like I protect Ava."

Ava pulled Jamie and Liam into her room, showing them her toys and books. The sight of her joy made me feel a bit better. For the moment, they were safe, and I had done the right thing.

Rebecca squeezed my shoulder. "We'll figure this out, Daphne. One step at a time."

I knew we had a long way to go, but for now, I was grateful that Jamie and Liam were here and that Ava was happy. 

Yet, the shifting sands beneath our feet stirred a silent storm.