The humid air clung to your lungs as you, Joel, and Ellie tore through the undergrowth. You stole a glance over your shoulder; the raiders weren't far behind. They’d seen the supplies in your packs, and in this world, that was a death sentence.

Ellie was a few yards ahead, sprinting toward the clearing where the horses were tied. "Ellie, wait!" Joel’s warning came a heartbeat too late.

A figure lunged from behind a thick oak, swinging a heavy branch. The impact crackled through the air, and Ellie folded instantly.

"Ellie!" Joel roared.

He didn't hesitate. His revolver barked once, painting the tree trunk red behind the raider. He was on his knees in an instant, scooping her limp body into his arms just as the woods behind you erupted with the sound of snapping twigs and shouting men.

"Go! Get her out of here!" you screamed, spinning around to lay down cover fire.

"I'm not leaving you!" Joel yelled back, shifting Ellie’s weight as he scrambled to his feet. "Move, now!"

You turned to follow, but your boot caught a protruding root. The world tilted. You hit the dirt hard, a sickening pop echoing from your left leg. A sharp cry escaped your teeth as you rolled onto your back, staring at an ankle that was already beginning to swell.

"Go, Joel! Fucking go!" you hissed, leveling your gun at the treeline.

Joel’s chest heaved, his eyes darting between your injury and the unconscious girl in his arms. He tucked Ellie behind the safety of a wide trunk and wrenched his rifle from his shoulder. He lined up a shot, crack, one raider fell, but the click of an empty chamber followed.

"Fuck-" he growled, fumbling at his belt for a fresh magazine.

The raider was close enough now that you could see the desperation in his eyes. They had been low on ammo, swinging rusted blades and pipes instead. He lunged at you, his knife catching the meat of your shoulder. You snarled, catching him with a desperate punch to the eye, but he was heavier. He pinned your wrist, snatching the pistol from your holster.

The barrel pressed cold against your forehead. You braced for the end.

A single shot rang out, muffled by the dense woods. The man’s weight went slack, his eyes turning glassy as he slumped over you. You shoved his carcass aside, gasping for air, and crawled toward the tree where Joel was already reloading.

The woods fell into a heavy, ringing silence. Joel slumped against the bark, his face pale and streaked with dirt. He checked Ellie’s breathing with trembling fingers against her chest, then turned his gaze to you, his eyes dark with a mix of fury and relief.

"You okay?" he rasped, the adrenaline still vibrating in his voice.