Chapter 12: The World Was Filled With Strange People
Zara’s breath caught in her throat the moment she skidded to a halt, her heart slamming against her chest as she came face-to-face with the barrel of a rifle.
The black metal gleamed coldly, the muzzle pointed directly at her face. Her body froze, the blood in her veins thickening as panic surged within her.
The premonition she’d had before—of a bullet striking her—suddenly came to mind. Was this what it had been trying to tell her? Why then and not right before this happened?
I’m going to die, her thoughts screamed at her. She tried to steady herself, but the tremors in her hands betrayed her. But then, somewhere deep within, the thought of Leo—of his wide, hopeful eyes—came to her. He was waiting for her. Counting on her. A surge of resolve pushed through her, solidifying her stance as she squared her shoulders, even as the rifle remained pointed at her head. Her gaze slowly lifted, steadying, locking onto the man behind the gun—a challenge.
The tension in her body coiled tight, her breath coming in shallow bursts. She was trembling but no longer in fear.
She was furious.
*****
Winter’s gaze narrowed as he assessed the woman standing before him. He hadn’t expected a civilian in this area; he was on edge, and every sense was heightened. The woman was a surprise, and he didn’t like surprises.
Flashback
Winter was deep inland now, the scent of decay heavy in the air as he trudged through the remains of the old world. His machete, slick with zombie gore, dripped with the remnants of the fight. The undead had flooded the area like a living nightmare, their jaws snapping, eyes glazed with hunger.
He had taken down a few zombies at a time, feeling the dull ache of exhaustion seeping into his bones, but never allowing it to slow him down. A particularly rabid zombie lunged at him, teeth snapping too close, its grotesque face twisted in a ravenous snarl. Winter dodged and drove his machete into the creature’s skull with a sickening crunch, forcing it back with a twist.