The Dawn of Knight

Chapter Twelve

In the midst of the sea of protesters, their fists thrust into the air and voices raised in defiance, a grim realization set in. The once resolute cries of "We won't back down!" faltered into panicked screams as the infected horde closed in. Their grotesque forms moved with an unnerving grace, a chilling contrast to the chaos erupting outside the school walls.

Inside the dimly lit gymnasium of Eastwood High, fear mingled with determination in the stale air. Makeshift barricades made of desks and chairs lined the walls, while huddled masses crowded onto the gym floor seeking refuge. "We can't stay here forever!" one woman's voice shook as she cried out her fears. "What if they find us?".

"Shh!" the young man hissed urgently, his eyes darting back and forth through the narrow gap in the barricade. "If they hear us, we're as good as dead!"

A teacher, Mr. Harris, tried to calm the panicked crowd, but his voice was drowned out by their anxious murmurs. "Quiet down!" he pleaded, his own fear beginning to show in his furrowed brow. "We need to stay calm and focused if we want to make it out of here alive."

"But how?" a student cried out, her voice trembling with fear. "There are too many of them out there!"

"We have to find a way," Mr. Harris urged, trying to inspire hope in his students. "We can't give up now. We have to be strong and think of a strategy." He paced in front of the group, racking his brain for a plan while the sound of unearthly moans grew louder outside their barricaded sanctuary.

As the terrified group huddled together, a deafening crash shook the walls of the gym, accompanied by guttural growls that sent shivers down their spines. The infected were getting closer and there was no escape. Panic flooded their minds as they whispered frantically to each other.

"Did you hear that?" a girl's voice quivered, her grip on her younger brother tightening.

"They're breaking through!" someone shouted, their voice trembling with fear.

The young man guarding the barricade clenched his fists in desperation. "We can't just wait here for them to tear us apart! We have to take action!"

Amidst the chaos, a girl at the back of the room stood up, her eyes determined. "I heard they were heading toward the community center. If we can make it to the back exit, maybe we can find a way out."

"You're insane!" another student protested. "It's certain death out there!"

"We don't have a choice," she retorted, her voice rising above the clamor. "Staying here is a death sentence too. It's time to fight for our lives."

Their teacher, Mr. Harris, weighed their options with a heavy heart. "She's right, but we need to move carefully and stick together. Make no noise and keep your heads down. If we can reach that exit, we might have a chance."

A tense silence settled over the group as they prepared to make their escape into the unknown dangers outside. With grim determination, they nodded in agreement.

"Let's go," the young man said firmly, steeling himself for what lay ahead.

The tension in the room was palpable as they scrambled to dismantle the barricade. Each creak of the floorboards and low growl outside sent shivers down their spines. Adrenaline coursed through their veins as they frantically prepared for escape.

"On the count of three," Mr. Harris commanded, his eyes scanning the group with urgency. "One... two... three!"

With a final push, the last desk was shoved aside and they squeezed through the narrow opening, hearts pounding in unison. The hallway outside was hauntingly still, the once lively school now a desolate wasteland.