Grim Dawn ✓

Chapter 8

The shelter looked to be a medium-sized lobby with a second-floor balcony. Alex estimated that fifty people could crowd inside comfortably. However, there were no people—not even the undead. Odd, but Alex wasn't all that surprised. It'd been hours since he'd gotten here, and he'd only found two. He was curious about where everyone went or if they all died. They could be hiding, Alex hoped. Wishful thinking, but he'd never find them if that were the case. It was also likely that this shelter was deemed unsafe, and whoever was here had fled hours ago.

Those things outside would've made it hard for anyone to even get here, on top of trying to defend this place. Alex then wondered how many people refused the trek and stayed put. From where he started, it was challenging enough. Since then, the only gunshots, not coming from his friends, were purely distant. The only other option was that everyone died.

Are we the only ones left? Alex thought as he glanced around the lifeless room. He didn't bother counting that helicopter pilot as he could easily escape if he wanted to.

But despite the lack of people, there was enough evidence to know that there had been someone here prior. There were sleeping bags and small cots against the walls, separated by little tables with personal belongings or medical supplies. Many belongings, such as clothes and backpacks, were also abandoned next to the cots. Someone also had barricaded a broad set of double doors on the left with thick dark wood. The windows were boarded up as well with matching planks. At the end of the room was an employee's-only door and the bathrooms were near the far right.

The power's on, too. That's good. Alex silently nodded to himself.

"Shit, no one's here," Keaton voiced. His hands were clenched, barring thick knuckles. But he kept his expression solid.

"Maybe they all evacuated," Lyra whispered. She looked somberly toward the right side of the shelter.

"But where?"

Lyra shrugged.

"Maybe deeper in?" expressed Alex.

"You wanna check?" Keaton raised a brow, and his hardened eyes stared Alex down.

Honestly, Alex wasn't sure if venturing further than the lobby was a good idea. There's a reason why someone barricaded those doors, and Alex didn't want to find out. He shook his head, and a slight pain surged up his neck. He lowered his tensed shoulders, quickly grabbed his neck, and rubbed it slightly. When did I do that?

"Well, we could wait here and see if anyone else comes," suggested Lyra. She cupped her elbows, nervously looking around.

"Nah," Keaton started. "We should—!"

Thump... Thump... Thump...

A vague noise came from beyond the door at the end of the lobby. Alex heard it. Survivors? Maybe? No, likely another zombie just trying to scare them. But even so, he didn't move, unsure what to do next.

"What was that?" he asked, a bit shaken. The hairs on his arms had formed goosebumps.

"Maybe it's some guy who wants to give us a million dollars," Keaton chortled.

Alex glared. "I don't think so."

"Hey, Lyra, go check out what it was, yeah?" Keaton thinned his lips to form a crooked smile.

"Me!?" she scoffed. Her face, a pretty porcelain, formed little grooves across her forehead as she scowled. "You do it!"

"Nah, I gotta stay here and guard the door... Ya know, macho stuff."

Lyra groaned longingly at that childish response. Alex couldn't help but chuckle at the two. Finally, she uncrossed her arms and strutted over to the door. Alex and Keaton followed closely behind.