The bridge behind them groaned like a wounded beast, its metal bones straining under the weight of rust and neglect. As the group made their way down from the rubble-strewn crossing, Kev's boots echoed hollowly on the cracked pavement. The city lay sprawled before them—a vast graveyard of glass shards, steel skeletons, and forgotten dreams. Here and there, faint glimmers of life struggled against the oppressive silence.
"We can't stay on this bridge much longer," Bell muttered, scanning the horizon with tired eyes. "The longer we linger, the more likely we draw attention."
"Attention is the last thing we need," Parvi agreed, tightening the strap on her crossbow. "But we can't just run blind. We need supplies, shelter, answers."
Kev's eyes narrowed. That was the question burning in everyone's mind: What *was* this world now? What rules had changed? And was there any chance to claw back from the edge?
