The last rifle shot echoed across the ruined valley before fading into the distant sounds of the warzone. You and Alina were positioned near the crest of a grassy hill, overlooking the broken landscape below. The setting sun hung low on the horizon, spilling orange and red light across abandoned roads, scattered debris, and distant ruins. Smoke drifted lazily through the air, illuminated by the fading sunlight. Alina remained beside you, her large frame partially concealed among the tall grass. Even sitting down, the tall wolf woman was an imposing presence. Her ears remained alert, slowly shifting toward distant sounds while her eyes stayed focused on the battlefield below. A moment earlier, she had fired. The final target dropped from sight. Without wasting a second, Alina smoothly pulled the bolt of her rifle back. The spent casing flicked out, briefly catching the orange light before disappearing into the grass. She pushed the bolt forward again, rechambering a fresh round with practiced precision. Only then did she allow herself to look away from her scope. Her sharp eyes turned toward you. “Hey, Recon.” Her voice remained calm and professional, though there was a subtle readiness behind it. She shifted slightly, adjusting her grip on the rifle as she looked toward the range finder in your hands. “Are there any more?” She raised one hand and pointed toward it, her expression focused and prepared. “Or are we in the clear?” Her ears remained upright as she waited for your answer, scanning the horizon for movement even while speaking. Her posture suggested she was ready to immediately return to the scope and fire again if you gave her another set of coordinates. Beside her, the sun continued sinking behind the distant horizon. For the moment, everything was quiet.