Horrific Shorts: Zombie Edition

The triumphant cheers from the depot faded into the background as Zara led the group back toward their makeshift safe zone. The tension of the battle still clung to her like a second skin, her mind replaying the moment she drove the blade into the brute's skull. Every encounter with these abominations left her wondering just how much humanity was left in the world—and in herself.

Callum walked beside her, his rifle slung across his shoulder. He hadn't said much since the fight, but Zara could feel his eyes on her. She finally broke the silence. "Spit it out, Callum."

"You were reckless back there," he said bluntly. "That thing could've killed you."

Zara shrugged. "It didn't."

"That's not the point, and you know it," Callum shot back, his voice firm. "You keep throwing yourself into these fights like you've got nothing to lose."

Zara stopped, her gaze hardening. "We've all got something to lose, Callum. I just can't afford to hesitate when lives are on the line."

He stared at her for a moment before sighing, shaking his head. "One of these days, that mindset's going to get you killed."

Zara didn't respond. She knew he was right, but the weight of responsibility often left her no choice. She glanced back at the group following them. Each face was etched with exhaustion, fear, and a flicker of hope. They depended on her, and she couldn't let them down.

The group reached the safe zone—a partially collapsed building fortified with scrap metal and barricades. Inside, Zara ordered the supplies to be sorted and distributed. Rations, ammunition, and medical kits were laid out on tables as survivors buzzed around, grateful for the lifeline.

As the team worked, Zara retreated to a quieter corner of the safe zone. She pulled out the map she had taken from the brute's lair. The paper was yellowed and stained, but the markings on it were unmistakable. There was a location circled in red, accompanied by a symbol she didn't recognize—a jagged spiral with a slash through it.

Callum approached, his curiosity piqued. "What's that?"

"I found it on the brute," Zara replied, her voice low. "Whatever it is, it was important enough for them to guard it with their lives."

He frowned. "You think it's another outpost? Or something worse?"

"Could be both," Zara said. "But there's only one way to find out."

Before Callum could respond, a shrill alarm echoed through the safe zone. Zara was on her feet in an instant, blades drawn. Survivors scrambled to their stations, panic spreading like wildfire.

Through the reinforced windows, Zara spotted a figure approaching the barricades. It was human—or at least it had been. The figure moved unnaturally, its head jerking in odd directions. As it stepped into the light, Zara's stomach turned. Its eyes were hollow, its mouth sewn shut with jagged wire.

It stopped just beyond the barricades and raised a trembling hand. In its palm was a device blinking with red light.
Read new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

"Get down!" Zara shouted, tackling Callum as the explosion ripped through the air, shaking the entire building.

Dust and debris filled the room, screams echoing in the chaos. Zara scrambled to her feet, coughing through the haze. Outside, more figures appeared, each one twisted and grotesque, carrying the same blinking devices.

Zara's heart raced as she gripped her blades. "Callum, rally the others. This isn't over."

The battle was far from won, and the map in her pocket seemed to hold more questions than answers. But Zara knew one thing for certain—whatever lay ahead, she would face it head-on.