Page 10 of Her Shadow

SAM

Sam stood at the edge of Fort Haven, her heart racing as she took in the view. The walls seemed a lot taller and more imposing than she’d imagined they’d be. It was as if they held secrets and stories they weren’t ready to tell. She could see the watchtowers at each corner and the vigilant eyes of a couple of people scanning the surroundings. She felt a rush of uncertainty.

They’re going to let us in, aren’t they?

Kara walked beside her and grabbed her hand. It felt reassuring. “This is it. Finally, we made it!” Kara said. Sam detected a hint of pride in her voice.

“It’s…impressive. I was expecting more of a welcoming party, to be honest. I know they’re not expecting you, but…still. What’s going on?” Sam replied, her gaze flickering over the fortified gates. There was an energy here, a pulse that felt uninviting and intimidating. “I guess maybe I’m just scared. It’s so different from what I’m used to.”

The corners of Kara’s mouth lifted a little. “I totally understand. It’s supposed to feel overwhelming. The whole idea is to put people off coming. Living and dead. But you get usedto it. The structure, the routines… It feels like a sanctuary. It honestly does.”

“Or maybe like a prison?” Sam mused aloud, her brow closing in together. She caught Kara’s eye, and her heart fluttered as she recalled the journey together so far, the way Kara had felt in her arms, and the way their sex had deepened something between them.

Kara’s expression softened. “It really is what you make of it,” she said. “We all have roles here. We’re trying to build something worth fighting for.”

Sam recognized the determination in Kara’s voice. She wanted to believe her, but doubts lingered. “When you tell them what happened to your friends…I just…I just won’t know what to say.”

Kara reached out and stroked Sam’s forearm, sending warmth through her that lingered. “I’ll tell them you saved me. They’ll see you for who you are. You’re not in any danger. Please believe me.”

As they approached the gates, a guard stepped forward. His arms crossed, and a barely hidden aggression was etched into his features. “Stop! Arms in the air.”

“It’s me. I’m back,” Kara announced, a note of authority lacing her tone. “This is Sam. She’s a friend.”

The guard’s expression shifted. “Where are the others? We thought?—”

“I lost them, Danny. I was the only one who made it,” Kara interrupted, lowering her arms and taking a few steps forward. “And this is the woman who saved my life.”

“Saved your life?” the guard echoed. He narrowed his eyes as he scrutinized Sam. “And we’re supposed just to believe that? How come she just saved you? What about Joan? Where’s Joan? Is this woman holding you hostage? Don’t fuck with us, Kara!”

Sam felt the deep weight of his gaze, the pressure mounting as she tried to hold her ground.

“You have every right to be cautious,” she said in a firm but respectful tone. “The others were already dead by the time we reached Kara. I brought her back to you. She’s injured. I’m just trying to help. I won’t trouble you, but I was promised supplies if needed.”

The guard hesitated, glancing between the two women. A single tear rolled down his cheek. “Not my Joanie. Not my fucking Joanie.”

“I’m so sorry, Danny,” Kara sniffed, rubbing her eyes with the sleeve of her jacket.

“Just get inside,” he said abruptly. “I’ll be watching you two.”

“Come on,” protested Kara. “There’s no need to be like that.”

“Just get in. Go explain yourself to the big wigs.” He snorted as he opened a heavy door and directed them inside with a flick of his head.

As they entered the fort, Sam felt the atmosphere shift. The energy was still intense but much more upbeat. Children played, adults were busy at work, and conversations echoed in the open air. For a moment, it felt like she’d gone back to the old world.

Wow…what are the odds? This place is thriving.

“This way,” Kara said, leading Sam deeper into the fort. “You’re going to have to meet some people.”

As they walked, Sam caught snippets of conversations and laughter floating around them. She couldn’t help but admire the sense of community that enveloped them, but a flicker of anxiety gnawed at her. Would they accept her? Would they see her as a threat? Would they kill her on the spot? Is Kara who she says she is?

Kara led her to a gathering area where a small group was seated around a fire pit. “Hey, ev…everyone,” Kara said, barelyable to get her words out. “I’m back. This is S…Sam. I’m so sorry. I’m the only one left.”

The group looked up, their expressions a mix of curiosity and suspicion. A tall woman with a striking scar across her cheek broke the silence. “Kara. I’m so glad to see you. What happened?”

“We were attacked. They didn’t make it. I I don’t know what to say, Mona,”

“There’s nothing you can say,” the woman replied. “They’re gone. It is the risk they chose to take. I’m sorry for you, Kara. I am sorry you had to go through that.”

---