I listened intently to the voice on the phone, catching snippets of conversation. I managed to hear “ambushed” and “cars are destroyed”.

Stunned, I turned to Atlas, realizing he was right all along. They did attack our cars.

If we hadn't been prepared, we'd be in danger. It was terrifying just to think about.

“Is everyone safe?" Atlas asked, his expression serious. He nodded at the response before ending the call.

He turned to Cane. "Just as I thought. They ambushed the cars, but everyone's safe."

"No one’s injured, right?" I asked anxiously.

"None at all," Atlas assured me.

When I heard that, I breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's definitely a decoy tactic," Cane chimed in. "I'll alert them to be prepared."

Atlas held me close, patting my back gently. "Don't worry about me. Just stay put and wait for me to come back."

I nodded, holding onto him. "Okay. Stay safe. I'll be waiting for you to return."

I wanted him to feel assured. I didn’t want to worry him.

He hugged me tightly,