Zero POV
The door swings wider as footsteps crunch outside, and the rest of the crew piles in.
Shadow arrives first, his eyes scanning the dim room like he is expecting traps.
He is followed by Ghost and Tank, their faces tight with the same mix of relief and wariness I feel.
The boy steps back, wide-eyed, as the small space fills with our bulk. Mason pushes himself up straighter on the mattress, wincing, his face pale under the bruises.
"Brother, I'm glad you are alive" Shadow says, clapping Mason on the shoulder gently. Ghost nods, hanging back but his shoulders relaxing just a fraction.
“ I wouldn't die so soon buddy.” Mason replies with a wry smile.
He then grunts, rubbing his temple. "Got any painkillers? Head's killing me."
I dig into my jacket pocket, pulling out the small
