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.
Lena said, her voice almost audible, "This cannot be happening." Though the evening air was warm, she encircled herself with her arms. "We were supposed to find help here."
Finn did not reply. His face was inscrutable as he merely peered down at the anarchy developing below. Even though he was struggling to make sense of this
