An Uneasy Alliance

The acrid stench of burnt wood and molten metal hit Dren’s nostrils as they approached the blackened skeleton of Harlen’s workshop.

“Harlen was here.” His voice wavered, betraying the mix of guilt and urgency churning in his chest.

Anora said nothing, her eyes scanning the debris. She knelt to inspect a jagged piece of a construct’s frame, turning it in her hands as if it might speak. “If he wanted to disappear, he succeeded.”

Dren moved toward what was once a workbench, now a charred slab of wood and metal scraps. Remnants of Harlen’s frantic scribbles clung to the surface, the edges singed. A noise cracked through the air. 

Footsteps.

“Stay sharp,” Anora ordered, drawing her blade.

From the smoke emerged two figures, armed and wary. The taller one, a man with sharp eyes and a tense jawline, raised his hand in caution. The other, a wiry woman, kept her weapon drawn, her gaze darting between Dren and Anora.

“Looks like we’re all looking for the same thing,” the man said, his voice neutral but edged with suspicion.

“We’re not looking for trouble,” Anora said evenly.

The woman snorted. “Trouble finds people out here. Why are you sniffing around?”

Dren stepped forward, fists clenched. “We’re trying to find someone—Harlen. He’s my—”

“Not our problem,” the woman interrupted, her voice cold. “Unless you plan to share what you find.”

The man shot her a warning look but didn’t contradict her.

Anora narrowed her eyes. “We don’t have time for this. You’re free to move on, or we can work together. Your call.”

The man hesitated before nodding. “Sani,” he said, gesturing to himself. “This is Tanin.”

“Dren,” he replied, reluctantly lowering his hands. “That’s Anora.”

Tanin’s eyes lingered on the remnants of Harlen’s notes. “Doesn’t look like your friend left much for anyone.”

“We’ll see about that,” Anora said, turning back to the wreckage.

As the group began sifting through the ruins, an uneasy alliance formed, held together by necessity. In the shadows of Harlen’s destruction, the Waste felt closer, hungrier, and more unforgiving than ever.