The Rise Of The Undead

Chapter 2 [ Trust ]

[Luis]

---

I grip the metal bottle tightly, feeling its weight as I sprint through the darkened hallways. My breath comes in short, sharp bursts. The noise I created has drawn the zombies away, but the real challenge now is making it back to the group safely.

"Focus, Luis. Just keep moving." I tell myself, rounding a corner. The groans of the zombies fade, but the hallways seem endless, each turn leading to more uncertainty.

Then I hear it-a piercing scream that cuts through the chaos. Ivy's scream. My heart skips a beat, panic surging through me.

"What's happening? Is everyone okay?" Fear gnaws at me, threatening to pull me off course. I know I need to get back to them. They're depending on me, and Ivy's scream is a harsh reminder that danger is still very real.

I push forward, forcing myself to concentrate. The zombies are still distracted by the diversion, but I can't afford to be complacent. Every shadow seems like it could hide a threat, and every sound makes me jump.

"Stay calm. Get to the group." I sprint down the stairwell, my feet pounding against the steps. The adrenaline is both a blessing and a curse, keeping me alert but making me acutely aware of every creak and groan.

As I reach the final landing, I hear shouting and the unmistakable thump of the zombies' footsteps. My pulse races as I burst through the door and skid into the hallway, scanning frantically for any sign of the group.

"Please, let them be okay." I hope the diversion has bought them enough time. The chaos and Ivy's scream still echo in my mind, pushing me to move faster.

[Olivia]

---

We finally make it into the computer lab, and the sight of the room, filled with rows of computers and a few scattered desks, brings a sliver of relief. The signal here is stronger, and we have access to more phones-anything that might help us contact the outside world or figure out what's happening. But even with the faint hope that we might find some answers, the reality of Mr. Thompson's fate weighs heavily on us.

We're all still shaken. I can see the worry etched on Kai's face as he glances around, his eyes darting toward the door, searching for any sign of Luis. My own heart twists at the sight of his concern, but I decide not to mention it. There's enough going on without adding to his stress.

Ruby stands in a corner, wiping her tears furiously. Her face is streaked with mascara, her usual composure replaced by a raw vulnerability. Hana, too, looks shaken, her hands gripping the edge of a desk as if it's the only thing holding her together.

I see Ivy clinging on to Maverick, his normally stoic demeanor is replaced by a desperate grief, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. Ivy's sobs are muffled by his shoulder, her distress adding to the oppressive atmosphere in the room.

Suddenly, we hear a noise coming from the back of the computer lab. It's a faint, almost indistinguishable sound, but it cuts through the heavy silence like a knife. My heart skips a beat as I exchange worried glances with the others.

"We should check it out," I say, my voice trembling despite my efforts to sound calm. "We can't afford to be caught off guard."

Maverick nods, Ivy still clinging on him. "I'll go. Stay here and keep an eye out."

I watch as Maverick moves cautiously towards the back of the room, his steps measured and quiet. The rest of us, still on edge, follow closely behind, our breaths held in anticipation.