Veil Of The Undying

Chapter 7

Ronan

When I said I wanted to be alone, I didn't mean the world should end. I haven't seen any feeders yet, but the disoriented group I'm with has described enough horror to make it all too real. It sounds exaggerated, but the emergency broadcast confirms it.

One of them, Malik, is gravely ill. He's pale, running a fever-classic symptoms of a feeder in the making, or so I've heard. The rest of the group don't seem to care. Why should I? I'm just a guest they helped.

We're crammed into a van designed for 15, yet we're 26. The atmosphere is thick with fear and uncertainty.

Malik winces with every bump, growing increasingly sensitive. His eyes are bloodshot red. I'm convinced he's about to turn, and I'm monitoring him closely.
If he turns in this van, we're all doomed.

"So, are you all going to ignore that he's about to turn?" I ask, pointing at Malik.

"He's just sick. He'll be fine," a young girl replies, her voice trembling.

"Fine, then stop the car. It seems to be making him worse," I say, looking at the driver, hoping he understands. He doesn't.

"I think you should get off!" a woman in her 40s yells, her voice full of anger. "This is his car, and you want him off?"

"Alright, let me off then," I snap. I'm done with their denial. They've made their choice.

The van slows, and I step out, leaving them behind with nothing but glares. No goodbye.

I'm now isolated on a desolate road, far from my destination. It's safer here, but I need water and food, so I need to find a supermarket or something.

After walking for ten minutes, I come across the van again, but the scene is horrific.
Corpses litter the ground, and feeders roam among them. Malik is among them, devouring what I can only assume are chunks of human flesh.
Everyone I was with is now either a feeder or a corpse, all because they couldn't let go of one person.

I tread carefully, a kitchen knife clutched in my hand-the only weapon I could find. Thank God I didn't need to use it.

After nearly an hour of walking, I spot car headlights approaching. I stop and wave, hoping they'll stop for me, though in this new world, it seems like a long shot.

To my surprise, they stop. Even more shocking, I recognize the people inside.

"Hey Roni, look at you, reunited with us after five hours," Nelson says, his evil grin unmistakable. Five hours ago, I swore I wouldn't see them again, but here we are.

"Jump in, old buddy," Nelson says with that same sinister smile.

I climb into the car, and Jude starts driving. "Where are you guys headed?" I ask.

"Jack had this old buddy who was obsessed with the end of the world. He prepared with food, weapons, and a safe place. Apparently, he's welcoming everyone, so we're headed to him," Nelson explains.

I'm not naive; if the man doesn't let them in, they'll force their way. I noticed the guns they carry. It's not surprising, but it doesn't concern me. I'm no hero. I'll stay with them until I find another way out. What they do is none of my business.