Zane
When I stepped onto the balcony, the view outside shook me to the core. Buildings were on fire, and infected people roamed the streets, searching for their next target. Blood stained the roads, and abandoned cars lined the way.
A sudden scream echoed through the chaos. When I looked down, I saw a girl running—her shoulder already bitten, yet she was still desperately crying for help.
I wanted to save her, but one glance at her shoulder told me she wouldn't stay human for long. And just as she passed our building, a swarm of infected chased after her.
The whole scene was a disaster—like the world had truly come to an end. Everything felt hopeless.
All I could think was, please, let nothing happen to me and my kids. Please, God, don't let me become one of them.
Even though deep down, I feared the truth— I had been scratched by an infected. But I'll fight it. Even if I do turn, I'll control myself. And if I ever realize I'm about to become one of them… I'll end it before I hurt anyone.
Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly felt arms wrap tightly around my stomach from behind. Startled, I tried to turn, but my head bumped against someone's face.
I quickly pulled the hands away and turned around—Viktor was standing there.
"Viktor! What are you doing here? Where are the kids? How could you leave them alone?"
I was about to rush past him, but he blocked my path, standing in front of me. I rolled my eyes; I really felt like hitting him, but I couldn't—he'd helped me so much already.
"Viktor, what now? Move out of my way."
"The kids are safe," he said calmly. "The others finished packing at my apartment, so they came back. They're with them."
Relief washed over me. I'd thought Viktor had left my kids alone in the room while they were sleeping—but that wasn't the case. Maybe he wasn't that bad after all.
"Hamster, why don't we enjoy this beautiful view for a little longer?" he said with a teasing tone. "And let me see your arm."
I showed him my arm. He pressed his thick fingers near where the bandage stuck to my skin.
"Does it hurt when I press here? Are you feeling any pain? Dizzy, maybe?"
He fired off questions one after another.
"I'm fine, Viktor," I said, meeting his eyes directly.
"Okay, if you say so. But if you feel unwell, please tell me."
I nodded and tried to leave the balcony again, but he still didn't move. This time, I placed both hands on his chest and pushed him back. I actually managed to move him a little.
But before I could take my hands away, he grabbed them. His expression turned serious.
"Your hands are so soft, hamster. Can I eat them?"
"Yeah, sure," I shot back sarcastically. "Should I chop them off and hand them to you too?"
He let go and gently pinched both my cheeks.
"I was joking, but my hamster got mad. You're so cute."
"I'm a man, not cute. And definitely not a hamster," I snapped. "So mind your tongue—and go call a girl cute instead."
I pushed his hand away from my face. Just because I liked men didn't mean anyone could flirt with me. I had limits.
"Alright, hamster," he said with a chuckle. "If our little quarrel is over, we should get going. Everything's ready, and we can't waste another minute."
I wanted to tell him it wasn't safe outside, that the infected were everywhere. But I stayed silent. If Viktor said it was time to move, he must have a plan.
I nodded, and we walked out of the guest room together. The others were standing there, eating cookies—Nico and Nilo too.
"Oh, you two are finally back," Adam said. "Here, eat this before we leave. The kids said you haven't eaten anything since morning."
He handed us a packet of cookies. Viktor and I started eating, and the kids came to stand beside me, munching quietly. Once I was done, I grabbed a bottle of water and noticed they were about to leave without drinking any.
"My babies—and Viktor—drink this before we go. We can't step outside on an empty stomach and without water."
The twins obediently drank, and Viktor followed, though he grinned a little too much while doing it.
When everyone was ready, we prepared to leave. Vien carried one backpack, Adam had the kids' bag, the big one was with Black, and another rested on Viktor's back.
I told him to give me that one, but as always, he didn't listen.
When we opened the door and stepped outside, I held both Nilo and Nico's hands tightly.
"Nilo, Nico—don't let go of my hands, okay?" I said softly to my babies. They both nodded seriously.
"Nico, come here. If both kids stay with you, it won't be safe," Viktor said.
Nico nodded and went to him, holding Viktor's hand.
Everyone started moving toward the elevator, but I stopped them.
"Guys, think twice before using the elevator," I said firmly. "It's not safe. If the infected attack us inside, we won't be able to protect ourselves. Let's take the stairs instead."
I made a good point—and they all agreed.
Adam and Rio were ahead with Black, while Vien walked beside me. Viktor was behind me with Nico, and Nilo walked between Vien and me.
It felt strange—too quiet. The silence itself was making me nervous. It's not like there's no one left in the building, and even if the infected are nearby, they're being too silent, like they're planning a sneak attack. The stillness was so heavy that I could hear my own heartbeat pounding in my chest.
"Dad, where are we going now?" Nilo asked, his small voice echoing through the hallway.
I froze instantly and knelt down beside him.
"Shh… Nilo, don't talk so loud," I whispered urgently. "Those zombies might be nearby. We need to get out of here before they notice us."
"Really? But that zombie is already following us," Nilo said softly—and then looked up.
When he did, we all followed his gaze. There—on the floor above us—two glowing eyes stared down from the darkness. The infected was watching us.