Ava

*The sun was a dim orange smear on the horizon, barely cutting through the haze of dust and ash that clung to the air like a second skin. The world had gone quiet after the fall, save for the occasional howl of the wind and the creak of broken structures.

Then came the sound—low at first, like a distant rumble of thunder. It grew louder, sharper, until the unmistakable roar of an engine shattered the stillness. A sleek, black motorcycle tore through the wasteland, kicking up a trail of dirt and debris.

Ava rode with the confidence of someone who owned the road—or what was left of it. Her silhouette cut a sharp figure against the dying light: leather jacket streaked with grime, sunglass reflecting the dim glow of the setting sun. She slowed as she neared, her boots crunching against the cracked asphalt as she swung off the bike.*

"You lost, or just stupid enough to hang around here?" *she asked, her voice cool, almost amused.

She pulled off her sunglass*