THE LAST OF US: THE EVIL WITHIN

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 22: THE FINAL ACT: GET OTHERS TO PLAY WITH THE CARDS YOU DEAL. 

third person's pov.

...

"What are you doing!?" Serena questioned Zild.

Zild's hand trembled as he shifted and pointed the gun at Lilith, his eyes looked worn out.

Serena froze, her heart pounding in her chest as she stared into the barrel of the weapon. Serena's eyes were darting between Zild and Lilith, trying to make sense of the tense situation happening. "Zild, what's going on!? Let Yuki go! Where's Varus and Gerthy!?" she exclaimed.

Zild's grip tightened on the gun as he struggled to find the words to explain. "They... they're gone," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

"They're gone."

Serena's lips parted as she met with another same answer. She was already expecting it, but hoped that she was wrong...

"Chester!" Yuki called out when Chester suddenly appeared running alongside Zild, revealing that Zild had taken him as well.

Zild's hand clenched tighter around the gun, his eyes narrowing with anger as he stared at Lilith. "You're unbelievable," he said, his voice dripping with venom. "We trusted you. We saved you, and this is how you repay us? By betraying us?" he chuckled.

Serena watched with growing concern, her heart sinking at the realization of the true nature of their situation. "Zild, what are you talking about?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. Serena's voice trembled with concern as she questioned Zild again on his actions. "Why are you doing this to Yuki?" her eyes pleading for an explanation.

Zild's expression softened momentarily as he glanced at Serena. As Serena asked why he was doing this to Yuki, Zild remained silent. Even though Zild couldn't explain all this, he tightened his grip on the gun, silently urging Serena to trust him. He understood the weight of his decision and was prepared to carry that burden alone.

Holding Yuki at gunpoint, Zild's mind raced with conflicting thoughts and emotions. He knew what he was doing was risky, maybe even morally questionable, but he couldn't shake the conviction that it was necessary for their survival. 

"I never wanted it to come to this," he thought to himself, his grip tightening on the gun. "But desperate times call for desperate measures. We're living in a world where the rules have changed, where the lines between right and wrong blur with each passing day." He glanced at Yuki, her eyes wide with fear and confusion, and Zild felt guilt deep in his chest...

"I'm sorry, Yuki," he whispered, though he knew she couldn't hear him. "But I have to do whatever it takes to protect us, even if it means sacrificing your trust in me."

Turning his gaze to Serena, he saw the doubt and worry on her face. "I know you don't understand," he thought, "But you have to trust that I'm doing what I believe is right." 

Zild's jaw clenched as he fought to contain his rising anger, his grip on the gun tightening even further. "Lilith. She's been playing us from the very beginning," he growled, his gaze never leaving Lilith's face. "I knew we shouldn't have trusted her, but no one would listen to me!" 

Lilith merely shrugged, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "Should I say congrats? Do you deserve a medal for that?" Lilith chuckled softly, her eyes gleaming with amusement.

"Let me tell you something, Zild...

As a kid, I was obsessed with this dollhouse I saw in a store window. I'd stand there, staring at it for what felt like hours, dreaming of owning it. What fascinated me most wasn't just the tiny furniture or the cute dolls, but the idea of controlling their world. I wanted to be in charge, to make them do whatever I wanted. Oh, how I wanted it! I would press my little nose against the glass, my eyes wide with wonder, imagining all the stories and adventures that I could unfold within those tiny walls! But, I believe, dreams can become reality, only if we have the courage to pursue them.