Chapter 79 Crossroads

• Alex's POV
• The first scent I noticed was really pungent and distinct smoke. I froze, stood at the ridge with Lena at my side, Finn a few paces ahead, his stance stiff. The hamlet we had battled so valiantly below us was only fire and ashes. Like a stone, my heart dropped.
• The delicate, laboring breaths of Samantha resounded in the rear of my mind, a continual reminder of the great loss we had already suffered. I could not part from her. Not following all through.