Blood And Ashes

chapter 12: changes

Lucy's POV:

As the days passed, the unease that had settled within me grew stronger. Our group's dynamics were changing, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. I had noticed Jace's growing connection with Tree, and it had brought a sense of hope to our ragtag team. However, despite the newfound warmth between them, the unease still lingered in the back of my mind.

Kas's POV:

Sitting by the campfire, I couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility for the group's well-being. Our relationships were growing more complex with each passing day, and it was my duty to ensure our unity remained intact. Jace's connection with Tree was a new development, a glimmer of hope in a world filled with darkness. It was a delicate thread that held us together, and I was determined to protect it.

Jace's POV:

Under the starry sky, I had found solace in Tree's presence. They had become a source of strength and love in this unforgiving world. However, as time passed, I began to sense a shift in our connection. It was as if something had changed, and I couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that something was amiss. My thoughts turned to Lucy and Tallon, who were still dealing with their own complexities. I couldn't help but wonder if the newfound connection with Tree was too good to be true.

Tallon's POV:

The weight of my obligations to Mel had only grown heavier with time. The information she sought was a looming burden, and it weighed on my conscience. As the days passed, I couldn't escape the feeling that our destinies were spiralling into uncharted territory. Mel's request had set us on a path filled with manipulation and intrigue, and I couldn't help but question the choices I had made.

Mel's POV:

I had been exceedingly patient, waiting for Tallon to fulfil his end of the bargain. The information I sought was the key to changing our world, and I had placed my trust in him. However, as the days went on, I couldn't help but sense a shift in the group's dynamics. Jace's connection with Tree was a source of concern. It had the potential to disrupt the delicate balance I had worked so hard to create. The information leak was a revelation, and it forced me to reconsider the intricate web of influence and power that surrounded our group.

The information leak had thrown a wrench into the already complex dynamics of our group. Jace, once drawn to Tree, had started to distance himself, and the unease in the air was palpable. The delicate balance we had maintained was now in jeopardy. As the days passed, the uncertainty of our world was mirrored in the uncertainty of our hearts. We were all on edge, wondering how this new development would impact our already intricate relationships. It was as if a storm was brewing on the horizon, and none of us could predict its full impact. The night was a silent witness to the shifting tides of our group, and the figure that had remained hidden in the shadows watched as the drama unfolded. Our destinies remained uncertain, but one thing was clear: the information leak had introduced a new level of complexity and danger into our already perilous journey.

Lucy's POV:

The tension in our group was undeniable, and the unease that had settled within me had now spread like a virus. Jace's distancing from Tree was foreseeable as they never really matched, but seeing how we are going and realising the further we travel the more people we see? I'll be damned if another person doesn't steal their heart. The connection that had brought a glimmer of hope to our lives seemed to be unravelling. I couldn't help but wonder what had caused this sudden change in Jace, and if it was related to the information leak.

Kas's POV:

Sitting by the campfire, I observed the growing rift between Jace and Tree with a heavy heart. Our unity had already been fragile, and this new development threatened to shatter it completely. The evolving dynamics between the members of our group had become more complicated, and I felt a growing sense of responsibility to mend the tears that had appeared in our tightly woven fabric of relationships.

Lucy's POV:

We began planning to move again as the place we were staying at was slowly becoming more and more infected. Mel's alarm systems were getting set off every other hour and we knew it was time for us to get out of there. We pack and start to make sure we have enough food. It still felt so weird being the leader now, as I got so used to being Tom's right hand, but with every passing day, I think I'll be fine. I look around seeing the uniqueness in each person. Some of these people I barely know, others I have known for a while, but this is my little family, and I hope one day peace will be restored.

Jace's POV:

I know Luce is still trying to come to terms with the fact she is the 'boss' of us now, of you will, especially seeing how she is so used to listening to Tom's every word. I've seen this girl through everything and even with my distances due to my love life, I still see her as a mother to me. I notice her weapon, she has been given chances to have new weapons but she stays with that old fucking copper pole Tom gave her all those weeks, hell even months, ago. Some things never change, but maybe she's just hoping he's getting on okay. Even if they didn't end well, I know she still cares, just doesn't love him anymore. With every passing day that I see her, I notice something new. Luce and I ditched the school blazers a while ago due to weight, but she still keeps the pen she always wrote with in her bag, as well as all her little bits and bobs she always had with her. It kinda just shows me how she still prays for a normalcy, and how I am sometimes jealous of her optimism. Kas's voice hits me back to reality.

"Oi, Lucy! Which way are we going? Maisie wants to do her carving!"

Oh and that's another thing, we all have our little signatures now. Maisie's knife carving, Kas's sharp shooting, my mini chainsaw, Tallon's devotion, Mel's observation, and Lucy's humanity. I look at her wrist sometimes and see bandages, but one thing that never changes? Logan's name on her wrist. Just to keep him with her always. I find it cute, Tallon hates how she cares for him, but I guess we all can't be happy for a healing person. I hear Lucy shout back after picking a flower and putting it in her phone, as she always does before we leave, but now only doing purple ones as it was Logan's favourite colour.

"Birmingham, we need more food and shelter. It'll mean bigger groups of zombies, but it'll mean we can finally get out of these godforsaken clothes." I honestly laugh. Lucy gives me one of those mom looks but she knows why I was laughing. See, before the apocalypse, Lucy always dreamed of being a fashion designer and modelling her newest designs, so now realising she can now go to the big city and design outfits for us based on looks, practicality and storage, really makes me smile. She's getting a small step closer to her dream, and I swear it now, I'll make her reach it fully one day. Watch me.