Feral → newt, tmr

The vehicles roll to a stop after a tense, silent ride. The air is heavy with exhaustion, fear, and faint traces of hope as everyone climbs out. Katherine’s boots crunch against the rocky terrain as she steps down from the jeep, her eyes immediately scanning the surroundings.

Dozens of tents are scattered across the campsite, their fabric flapping gently in the cool breeze. People mill about in small groups, their voices a low hum of chatter. Some are tending to supplies, others huddled around makeshift fires. There’s a sense of quiet urgency to the scene, as if this temporary haven could be dismantled at any moment.

Harriet walks ahead of the group, her voice steady and matter-of-fact. “They’ve been planning this for over a year now. This is all for us. You guys are lucky you found us when you did. We’re moving out at first light.”

Katherine follows her, her gaze wandering through the camp. She’s taking it all in when something—or someone—catches her attention. A figure in the distance, standing apart from the crowd, watching her.

Her breath hitches. The blonde woman’s posture is familiar, her piercing gaze unwavering. She’s walking toward them now, long strides closing the distance quickly. Katherine’s heart races as recognition blooms, the memory hitting her like a shock of cold water.

Vera.

The name echoes in her mind just as the blonde’s lips part, her voice soft and tinged with disbelief. “Kat? Is that you?”

Katherine freezes, the sound of her old name drawing up emotions she thought she’d buried. Her mouth opens, the word spilling out before she can stop herself. “Vera?”

The confirmation comes in the form of a nod and a warm, radiant smile. Katherine barely has time to process it before Vera is in front of her, arms wrapping around her in a crushing embrace.

“Oh, shit,” Katherine chokes out, laughing breathlessly as Vera squeezes her like her life depends on it.

“Oh god. Oh god. This is really great!” Vera exclaims, her voice bright and full of life. “I thought you died.”

Katherine pulls back just enough to look at her, still in shock but grinning. “Guys,” she starts, turning to the group. “This is—”

“Vera,” Thomas interrupts, his tone calm but firm. He nods at her, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. “I remember her.”

Vera’s smile widens as she acknowledges him, then shifts her gaze to Teresa. “Teresa,” she says softly, as though testing the name.

“Hi,” Teresa offers with a polite wave, her expression cautious.

Chris, never one to miss a beat, salutes Vera with a cocky grin. “Hey, loser.”

Vera laughs, a genuine, heartfelt sound, before her attention shifts to the twins from Group B. “Good to see ya.”

“Chris.” Her smile is warm as she looks between the boys. “And Aris.”

Katherine’s eyes dart between them, her brow furrowed. “You guys know each other?”

“She was in our maze,” Aris replies with a casual shrug, as if that explains everything.