The zombie froze. Its milky eyes snapped toward them, nostrils flaring. Then, with a bone-chilling snarl, it lunged forward.
Ember didn't think. She threw the cardboard aside, grabbed the crowbar, and swung with all her strength.
The metal connected with a sickening crack, and the creature collapsed... but its scream had already drawn the others.
The distant groans turned into a chorus. Dozens of footsteps thundered closer.
Ivy couldn't see them, but she could hear everything: the heavy steps, the rasping breaths, and the wet dragging of limbs. Her hands clawed helplessly at the ground.
"Ember! What's happening?"
"Stay down!" Ember shouted, her voice raw with fear and resolve. "Don't move no matter what!"
'No... Ember... let me move...' Ivy thought desperately and tried to move, but her body refused to hear the command.
Growl!
A loud roar near Ivy's ear made a chill break through her entire body.
"NO!" Ember yelled, and Ivy felt a warm body engulfing her.
