So he was from a band – that was a major relief to Cameron. She nodded at him as he spoke about the group he was with as millions of thoughts ran through her head. There was still much to learn about who he was and what exactly Omega was all about, but at least she would have somewhere to stay. It wasn’t like the opportunity was available to be selective about her living arrangements. If the village wasn’t raided, she would be at home, probably in bed with one of the old books she had taken back when she was allowed to explore alone.  

Before the reminiscing could continue, the thunder made the floor vibrate. The sheer volume of the storm made it seem like the building could be demolished before the storm was over. “Damn it,” she whispered after she had jumped. “I’m, um, not usually this skittish. It’s been a long few days.” She scanned the building again, purely out of habit, before answering his question.  “I’m from Maryland, near Baltimore. My group was pretty… different. Lots of farmers and spiritual hippies, but we also had our strict, gun-wielding assholes.” She chuckled before she continued. “They wouldn’t let outsiders in. Very selfish in a way.” Speaking about her home made caused a lump in her throat, and she coughed to casually try to get herself together. The box sat on the floor about a foot away from her feet. “Ha. You would think so, huh? Just personal stuff I took before I left. My village – it was attacked in the middle of the night. Completely burned to the ground.” Her voice began wavering as she spoke. “I’m not sure if anyone else survived.” 

Her stare pierced the floor in front of her as she held her hands up to the flame. This situation, this place, and this man – it was a lot to take in. She had seen more dead bodies in four days than she had seen in a life time. She had walked over a hundred miles without being kidnapped, raped, or killed. She found someone in a large city who didn’t rob her and beat her half to death. Maybe the elders had been right about the box – that it would guide her to the hands it belonged in. She was never in to the spiritual mumbo-jumbo they spoke about. Hell, most of their ideals completely ridiculous. But maybe, just maybe, this streak of luck was enough to make a little sense of it. 

A long yawn interrupted the silence that had filled the room. "I heard about New York before. I thought I could probably find somewhere to take me in." Her eyes remained on the floor until the heat from the fire made them water a bit, and she shifted her glance to Justin. "I have a million more questions, but do you mind if I get some rest? I'm exhausted."