The Last Girl Standing (#1)

A Monstrous Revelation

Noami

The metallic tang of blood filled my mouth as Dr. Reyes' clipboard connected with my cheek, leaving a stinging welt. A primal scream tore from my throat, a mix of pain, rage, and a gnawing helplessness.

I strained against the chains, the metal digging into my wrists, the world a blur of anger and frustration

"You think this is funny, you stupid bitch?" I roared, my voice hoarse. "Just wait until I get loose from these chains, you'll be the first one I destroy!"

Dr. Reyes' smirk widened, a chilling glint in her cold eyes. "Let's see you try, monster," she taunted, her voice dripping with disdain.

Her words struck a chord deep within me. A mutated anomaly? A key? What did they know about me, about the infected, about this whole damn world?

Fury surged through me, momentarily eclipsing the fear. I wouldn't be their lab rat. But a cold dread crept in too. If I wasn't Dad's daughter anymore, if I was something… else, then what about Mom and Charlotte?

Dr. Reyes threw a final withering look in my direction before turning and storming out of the room, slamming the metal door with a resounding clang.

Silence descended, broken only by my ragged breaths. I collapsed against the pole, the fight momentarily drained out of me. Despair threatened to consume me, but then, a thought sparked in my mind – a horrifying, yet strangely hopeful thought.

What if Dr. Reyes was wrong? What if being different wasn't a curse, but something more?

My gaze drifted to the chains binding me. They were strong, heavy, but not indestructible.

Taking a deep breath, I began to focus. I closed my eyes, delving into the strange energy that pulsed within me, the same energy that caused my eyes to change color.

Memories flickered – the bite, the excruciating pain, the transformation. Then, a new feeling emerged – a sense of control.

I focused that control on the chains, willing the metal to weaken, to yield. My body tensed, a tingling sensation spreading through my hands.

A metallic groan echoed through the room.

I opened my eyes to see a single link in the chain glowing faintly red. It was hot, almost molten, but the heat didn't faze me.

Another groan, and another link glowed red, then another. With a surge of power, I snapped the first weakened link, the metal snapping with a satisfying crack.

Another groan, and another link glowed red, then another. With a surge of power, I snapped the first weakened link, the metal snapping with a satisfying crack.

My heart pounded with a mixture of disbelief and exhilaration. It was working!

Sweat beaded on my forehead as I repeated the process, link by agonizing link. The metallic groans grew louder, echoing eerily in the damp room.

Finally, with a final burst of energy, the last chain snapped free, clattering to the floor in a shower of sparks.

I ripped my freed hands to my chest, gasping for breath. My body ached, but a triumphant smile spread across my face.

I wasn't a monster. I wasn't a lab rat. I was Naomi, and I was free.

But my freedom was just the beginning. The real fight, the fight to find my family, the fight to understand what I truly was… that fight had just begun.

And as I stared at the heavy metal door that separated me from the outside world, a chilling thought sent a shiver down my spine.

Maybe Dr. Reyes wasn't entirely wrong.

Maybe I was the key.

But the key to what?

And more importantly, to whose salvation?

~

With the chains finally off, I stretched my limbs, the freedom exhilarating yet unsettling.

My mind raced, thoughts of escape, of finding Leo and the others, swirling in my head. But for now, hunger gnawed at me, a primal urge that demanded satisfaction.

I paced the room, my mind drifting to Mom and Charlotte.

Mom, with her infectious laughter and unwavering support, had been more than just a stepmother – she was family. And Charlotte, my little sister, with her wide eyes and endless curiosity, was a constant source of light in my life.

I wondered where they were, if they were safe, if they were even alive.

The door creaked open, interrupting my thoughts. Mark stood in the doorway, his face a mask of shock as his eyes landed on my freed wrists.

"Well, well," he drawled, his voice laced with disbelief. "Looks like you had a good fight with those chains."

I rolled my eyes, ignoring his smug tone. "Yeah, I broke free. Now, where's my food?"

He hesitated, a flicker of something akin to respect flashing in his eyes. But it was quickly replaced by his usual arrogance. He tossed a bag of food onto the bed before turning to leave.

"You know what, zombie?" he spat, his voice low. "I'll be back for you. And when I do, I'm going to take your fine ass out."

With that, he slammed the door shut, leaving me alone with the bag of food and a growing sense of unease.

I tore open the bag, the aroma of greasy fries and juicy burgers filling the room.

My stomach growled in anticipation, a stark reminder of just how long it had been since I'd eaten a decent meal.

I sat down on the bed, the soft mattress a welcome contrast to the hard concrete floor. As I devoured the burger, savoring every bite, my mind drifted back to Mom and Charlotte.

Would they be happy to see me? What would they say when they saw my eyes, my changed appearance?

The thought of their reaction filled me with a mix of hope and fear. I wanted nothing more than to wrap them in my arms and tell them I was safe.

The reality of my situation, the unknown dangers lurking around every corner, cast a shadow over my optimism.

For now, I focused on the food, letting the warmth spread through my body. It was a small victory in a world filled with chaos, but it was a victory nonetheless.

With a full stomach, I felt a surge of strength, both physically and mentally. I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

After all, I had survived the apocalypse, fought off the infected, and broken free from my chains. What else could this world throw at me?