Chapter 3: The World Was Dark
Zara's heart thudded against her chest as she looked at the door separating them from whatever was in their house.
Was it finally happening?
Her mind raced, piecing together the possibilities, the dangers lurking just beyond the safety of their door.
She'd heard the creatures outside before, the shuffling steps, the low moans, but they had never come this close, never breached the barrier she'd so carefully constructed.
But now... now they were here.
Her heart hammered in her chest as she rose slowly, careful not to disturb Leo as she moved toward the door.
Should I carry him with me? What if they're more than one?
Every instinct screamed at her to protect him, to shield him from whatever horror had finally found its way inside.
She grabbed the baseball bat she had kept with her for protection as she tiptoed to the door.
Stay calm, she told herself, gripping the handle.
Stay calm and protect him.