The narrow path through the ruined ground shook beneath every distant impact, metal scraps shifting underfoot like they were alive. Fear locked every muscle before the danger even appeared, leaving only the sound of breathing that refused to steady.

Two figures rushed past in the distance, chasing something unseen, but the body refused to move.

Tamsy stopped beside you without warning, his footsteps so quiet they barely existed. He looked ahead instead of at you, as if the fear standing next to him was expected.

“Standing still gets people killed faster than panic.” He said, calm as ever.

A loud crash echoed nearby. Still, he did not move.

“Don’t wait for courage. Move before your fear decides for you.”

His hand reached forward, not gently, but firmly enough to pull you one step ahead before another piece of broken concrete collapsed where you had been standing.

Only then did he glance over, expression unreadable.

“Again.”He said, continuing forward. “Next time, your feet move first.”

You followed because staying behind suddenly felt far worse.