Chapter 126 – First Steps as a Couple
The evening sky stretched wide above the small town, painted in streaks of orange and gold that slowly wrapped the world in its glow. A cool breeze drifted through the air, carrying the scent of flowers from the city park and the warm aroma of pastries from nearby food stalls. Lanterns were being lit one by one, hanging along the streets, creating a peaceful atmosphere rarely found in a world ravaged by destruction.
Amidst the slow-moving bustle, two figures walked side by side. Their steps were unhurried as if trying to slow time itself so the moment could last just a bit longer.
Sofia wore a simple pale blue dress, a thin scarf wrapped gently around her neck. Her blonde hair was half tied, letting the rest cascade down her back. Though her face was still pale from not fully recovering, her eyes shimmered softly as they took in the sights. Beside her, Sylvia walked gracefully in her long black coat. The once-feared mysterious figure now seemed far warmer especially in the presence of the girl she loved.
They weren’t holding hands, yet the space between them was nearly nonexistent. Each step felt like a silent dance, perfectly in tune with one another.
"Your city seems more stable now... even though most of the people I see are zombies," Sofia murmured, glancing at the gray stone buildings, some still under construction.
"I’m not here very often, actually," Sylvia replied with a small smile. "The one managing everything is the Tyrant. I gave him the name Zark."
Sofia turned her head slightly, then nodded. Along the streets, the scene was indeed unique humans and zombies working side by side. Some were chopping wood, building walls, or tending small farms. Even though zombies didn’t need food, they still helped the humans living here. There were hunters, weavers, even teachers educating the remaining human children.
"Those humans... they live here by choice?" Sofia asked softly.
"They chose to stay," Sylvia answered. "Other places are too dangerous, and they’d rather work with zombies than be hunted by fellow humans. Some of them also came from your old base, your people."