The world has fallen silent. Cities, once full of noise and life, are now giant tombs. Deserted streets, buildings covered in dust, and forgotten corpses in every corner. There are no explosions, no gunshots, no war cries. Only the echo of the wind carrying ash and the stench of death permeating the air. The virus left no second chances. It didn't turn people into monsters or mindless predators. It only killed them. In a matter of weeks, civilization collapsed, leaving only the lucky—or unlucky—few who for some reason were immune. Now, the survivors don't fight hordes of infected or a visible enemy. They fight hunger, thirst, loneliness. Against the uncertainty of whether there is anyone else out there. Cassandra walks among the ruins with the assault rifle in her hands. His black cloak rustles in the breeze as he moves cautiously forward, his green eyes scanning every shadow, every corner. He knows that death lies not only in the virus, but in those still alive. Then, he sees you. His body immediately tenses. In this world, encountering another survivor isn't a relief, but a threat. Stop right there . His voice is low but firm, and the rifle is raised without hesitation. The wind blows between you, heavy with dust and mistrust. Who are you? What are you doing here? he asks, without lowering the weapon. He doesn't expect a friendly response. In this world, trust has died along with the rest of humanity. Cassandra's Thoughts: If he moves too fast, I'll shoot. If he lies, too. I can't risk trusting someone. Not again

"Don't take a step closer." Her voice remains cold as her eyes never leave you. "I don't care who you are or what you say. I won't let my guard down until I know for sure if I can trust you."

She watches carefully, the rifle trembling slightly with tension in her grip. Her green eyes narrow as she waits for your next move.

Cassandra's Thoughts: He doesn't look like a threat... but then again, how many people did I trust before they betrayed me? Better safe than sorry

Her eyes narrow even further as you back away. You seem sincere in wanting to put distance between the two of you... but that doesn't mean she trusts you. Cassandra hesitates for a moment before finally lowering her rifle. She continues to watch your movements carefully, ready to react if necessary.

Cassandra's Thoughts: Maybe he's not going to try anything. But I'm still not trusting him completely anytime soon. Better keep my guard up just in case

"No!" She shouts as pain sears through her leg. Blood pours out from the wound, staining the ground red. Her green eyes are wide with anger and fear. The attack was swift and unexpected, leaving her little time to react.

Cassandra grits her teeth against the agony, struggling to remain conscious as she raises her weapon once more. She aims at the figure who just shot Abdiel before looking back at him. "Are you okay?" she asks hoarsely between ragged breaths. The cloying taste of iron fills her mouth as she speaks.

Cassandra's Thoughts: This can't be happening... not now... not again...

Her breath comes in short gasps as she winces with pain. "I'll be fine... thanks," she manages between pants. Her eyes are glued on the figure who shot her, refusing to let go until he's dealt with. It takes every ounce of strength not to lash out at Abdiel for moving her away from their would-be attacker.

Cassandra's Thoughts: Dammit... I can't do this... But if I don't... he might get away... What should I do? What should I do?!

She gasps as the body of their attacker hits the ground with a thud. A shudder runs through her when she hears the gunshot. Her heart is racing, adrenaline coursing through her veins as the pain in her leg becomes more intense. Blood continues to flow freely from the wound, soaking through her clothes and dripping onto the ground.

Cassandra looks up at Abdiel with hazy eyes, trying to decide what to do next. His actions have saved her life... but she can't trust him completely yet. "You..." she starts, her voice barely more than a whisper.

She looks at the tourniquet around her leg with some measure of relief. The pain subsides somewhat as she focuses on taking deep breaths through her nose. "Let's get out of here," she manages between gasps for air. Her eyes dart from place to place, still not entirely sure if they're safe yet.

Cassandra's Thoughts: I should trust him... He saved my life. But something tells me he hasn't told me everything... Yet I can't be alone again... What do I do? What do I do?!

Her eyes narrow as she studies the car carefully before nodding slowly in approval. "It'll do," she says after a moment. With a grimace of pain, she climbs into the passenger seat and slams the door shut behind her. Sitting there, waiting for him to join her, she glances out at the ruined city once more. It seems even more desolate now that they've found someone else who managed to survive. The thought both comforts and unsettles her at the same time.

Cassandra looks over at Abdiel as he climbs in beside her, their shoulders brushing briefly. "Thank you for saving my life," she says quietly. There's a mixture of suspicion and gratitude in her voice, making it clear that she still hasn't quite decided where they stand with each other yet.

Cassandra's Thoughts: I don't know... This feels wrong somehow... Like I shouldn't be trusting him so easily... But at the same time, I can't be alone again... Maybe it'll work out for now. Just until I find someone else...

Her name is Cassandra. "You can call me Cassie if you want," she says with a shrug, though the small movement causes her leg to throb in protest. She watches out the window as they drive through the empty streets, each turn revealing more of the devastation wrought by the virus and its aftermath. Despite the grim surroundings, there's something about being with someone else that gives her a sense of hope she hadn't felt in a long time. But she can't shake the feeling that there's still something Abdiel isn't telling her...

She shakes her head. "Not anymore... they're all gone." Her voice is flat, devoid of emotion. "I thought I was the only one left for a while there..." Cassandra swallows thickly and looks away, unable to bear the memory in her eyes any longer. As she stares out the window at the passing ruins, she wonders if this makes them lucky or unlucky... or perhaps just another form of survivor's guilt.

She listens carefully, taking in every word. Her green eyes flicker with understanding as she realizes the depth of Abdiel's betrayal. "They used you," she says flatly. "Just like everyone else."

Cassandra looks out at the ruined world around them and sighs heavily. "So much death... all for their twisted little dreams..." Her voice trails off, as if lost in the endless sorrow that surrounds her. Even now, with a newfound ally beside her, she can't shake the feeling that hope is nothing more than an illusion.

Cassandra's Thoughts: What do I do now? With Abdiel? Do I trust him? There's still something about his story that feels... off. But without anyone else left, who am I supposed to turn to? Am I better off alone again, or can I really trust this stranger? The choices keep multiplying, but the options only seem to shrink.

"I see..." Her voice is quiet, noncommittal. She looks at him carefully, searching for any hint of deception in his eyes before continuing. "And what do you plan on doing now? With me?" There's a trace of wariness in her tone, as if she knows the answer might not be something she wants to hear.

Cassandra's Thoughts: `What am I supposed to think? That he just saved my life out of the goodness of his heart? Or is there something else going on here? Maybe it's both... But which part do I trust? And if I can't trust him, what does that mean for us?'

She nods slowly, unsure what else to do or say. Home... the thought brings with it memories of her old life before the virus, before everything changed. But even that feeling of nostalgia can't erase the doubt that lingers in her heart when it comes to trusting Abdiel. Still, she follows him out of necessity, if nothing else. Maybe, just maybe, they can find a way to work together... or at least survive this together until something better comes along.

Cassandra's Thoughts: `I don't know... This whole situation feels too messy. But I guess it's better than being alone again. Just gotta watch my back, and his... And hope for the best.'

She follows him, her eyes narrowing as she takes in the surroundings. The cave system looks solid enough, but she can't help feeling on edge. "It's... interesting," she says slowly, choosing her words carefully. "But it seems a little... extreme."

Cassandra's Thoughts: `Maybe it'll work for now... but I don't know if I can trust him enough to stay here permanently.'

She listens intently, taking in the information about the cave system's origins. "It's impressive," she admits reluctantly. "But it still doesn't change the fact that we don't know each other very well." Her green eyes shift from Abdiel to the cave entrance and back again, her posture tense with uncertainty.

Cassandra's Thoughts: `What am I supposed to do? Stay here and hope he doesn't try anything funny? Or leave, even though I have no idea where else to go?'

She looks around the cave with curiosity and suspicion in her eyes. It's comfortably furnished and seems well-protected against outside intrusion. Still, she can't help but feel wary. "I appreciate your hospitality," she says after a moment, not quite meeting his gaze, "but I should probably be going soon."

Cassandra's Thoughts: `He saved my life... but that doesn't mean I can trust him enough to stay here. And what about the other things he hasn't told me? It just feels wrong, somehow...'

"I just..." She pauses, searching for the right words. "I need some time to think." Her voice trails off, and she looks down at her feet uncomfortably. The truth is, she doesn't know what she wants or needs right now. All she knows is that something about this situation feels off-kilter, and she can't quite shake the feeling that trusting Abdiel might be a mistake.