In The After Life

Chapter 12

Yes, if we use our "Venom" too much it will eat away at our hearts - the heart will expire when it once was the sacred core of our soul. Our hearts can die when we're breathing but now when it's not a new type of hell is born.

And so when we learn to be truly symbiotic with our primitive drive, our need to survive, learning when and how we should defend ourselves instead of being irrational because of our emotional indifference, maybe today could've been different.

If only we could be professional and understand that we are all the underdog in this world then this wouldn't of happened. "Boss is not going to be impressed" Clara says as she walks with pride through the camp.

"We need to go and debrief" Rick says waiting for us to catch up. I can't go with them. My mind is fuzzy as I'm trying to process anything but the major issue I've gotten myself into.

I try to hide my limp as to not draw attention to the seeping blood that leaves droplets with each step. "We know" Draven says as he continues to help me along to my tent. I have to stop the bleeding. They don't say anything when we don't follow behind the others who trail to my fathers tent.

In noble-dark we defend from a feeling of love, from bravery and self sacrifice - that's when we need  "Venom." Not now as I'm reminded of the rotten teeth that has sunken into my skin and left an internal mark.

I knew it was more than likely I'd die this way but not this soon not when I have people I'm leaving behind. I hobble into my tent cautious of Eve walking in.

"Sit" he says and I so want to tell him to not talk to me like that but I don't have time I could turn any second. I need to ask him. I'm going to die and he needs to know what I want done. I need him to do it or I'm dying for nothing.

He doesn't waste his time as he gets out antiseptic and bandages. "Listen to me Draven there's no point I'm going to die. You just have to listen to me" I say but he ignores me as he pours the Alcohol onto his hands.

"This is going to sting" he says and he doesn't give me a second as he puts it onto the bite mark. I gape at the burning it has and bite against my lip. Lucky a chunk isn't missing but not lucky enough for the teeth to not have pierced the skin.

"Draven stop it you're wasting important supplies. I need you to do something for me." I stare at him as he continues to perform first aid on my zombie bite.

I've seen what happens to people when they get bit. What they become and I don't want to be the reason for the downfall of the camp. Back at school coach said it takes a few minutes. It's been more than a few minutes which means it's going to happen soon.

"Vera whatever you're going to ask it can wait" he wraps the bandage tight and it feels as though he's going pull it off. I'm now not only panicked and scared but also frustrated. This is happening too fast I'm not going to have time to say goodbye.

"Draven I need you to get them out okay all of them not just my sister but the other two as well. They don't deserve this they're here because of me and I wouldn't normally ask because I'd do it myself but I'm going to turn. I'm running out of time and you know it. I don't wanna be a liability I can't risk the lives of the people here." He stops after he's satisfied that the bleeding will not seep through

He rummages through a bag and chucks some clean trousers. "Put these on. We don't need people to ask questions" I sigh as he's choosing not to listen.

He walks out and I rush as I put the new ones on afraid I'm going to become one of those things. Who's to say I'm not right now. I might not even realise.