Bella refused to believe that everything would end here, in a cold cave, hunted by a twisted child wearing a human face.
"Wait!" Bella cried, her voice cracking as fear and resolve collided. "I can give you a good reason to stay. Just—just give me a minute. Please."
Without waiting for his answer, she fumbled for her cellphone, her injured shoulder screaming in protest.
Her fingers shook as she typed rapidly, sending a short but urgent coded message to the base.
Evolved zombie. Extreme threat. Do not engage. Avoid at all costs.
She hit send.
For a moment, she simply stared at the screen, then let out a long, shaky breath.
The tension in her chest loosened just enough for her to breathe again.
It was done.
Even if she didn't survive, that warning would keep her friends alive.
It would stop them from underestimating those monsters.
Because evolved zombies weren't just stronger or faster anymore.
They were intelligent.
Relentless.
