Undead Hearts

Fallen soldiers

**Fallen soldier**

The warmth of the apartment enveloped the group like a soft embrace, a moment of rest away from the chaos that had consumed the world beyond. It had taken months of battling for survival, scavenging for food, and narrowly escaping death at the hands of the relentless mutated creatures, but they had finally found a semblance of peace. The apartment had become more than just a safe space, it was their home.

Jared and Brittany sat together on the warm couch, his arm laying casually around her as they watched a movie on the TV screen. The aroma of freshly baked cupcakes wafted from the small kitchen, where Kim and Sarah fussed over the oven, laughing softly as they checked on their creations. Zain, with his small frame leaning against the counter, was engrossed in a conversation with Aiden, while Bastian stood nearby, joking with Lily as she sliced fruit to go with the cupcakes.

The world outside had changed in ways they still couldn't fully comprehend, yet here, in this cozy apartment, it was easy to forget. They had done the impossible built a life amidst the ruins. Each couple had found solace in each other, forging bonds not only of survival but of love. And for a brief moment, it almost felt normal.

The apartment was more than just a place to rest. In the basement room, their handy base was organized with armor, weapons, and supplies. Zain had taken the lead on constructing it, a place where they could defend themselves when things went wrong. But for now, it stood silent, an ominous reminder of the dangers that still lurked outside.

Lily placed a plate of sliced fruit on the table and nudged Bastian playfully. "You think cupcakes can pass as dinner, right?"

He chuckled, his eyes filling with amusement. "If we're gonna die young, we might as well go out eating cupcakes."

"Dark, but I'll allow it," she teased, and they both grinned at each other.

Suddenly, the movie's volume dropped, replaced by a low, guttural growl. Jared leaned forward, brow furrowed. "Did you hear that?"

The others paused. Silence followed, thick and unsettling.

"Probably just the wind," Kim suggested, though her voice lacked conviction.

The growl came again, this time louder, more distinct—and definitely not the wind. The air in the apartment shifted, a weight pressing down on them all at once. The laughter died, and everyone exchanged uneasy glances.

"I'll check the cameras," Zain muttered, pushing away from the counter.

As he headed toward the surveillance system they had rigged outside the building, Sarah's hand found Kim's, squeezing it tight. "It's probably nothing," Kim whispered, but her wide eyes betrayed her fear.

Zain's fingers flew across the keyboard, bringing up the grainy feeds from the exterior cameras. His face went pale. "Guys... we've got company."

Everyone rushed to the small monitor, huddling close. On the screen, dark, twisted shapes moved through the abandoned streets. They were grotesque, mutated creatures—massive, with elongated limbs, misshapen jaws, and glowing red eyes. A horde of them.

Bastian let out a low curse. "How the hell did those find us?"

"We need to move now," Jared said, his voice tight with urgency. He glanced at Brittany, who nodded, already reaching for their weapons.

In the chaos that ensued, everyone scrambled to arm themselves. Zain threw open the door to their base, revealing shelves lined with rifles, crossbows, and various forms of armor they had used over the months. Each person moved with practiced efficiency, slipping into gear and loading weapons.

"We're not losing anyone tonight," Jared muttered under his breath, his eyes darting to Brittany. (Or so they thought)

The sound of glass shattering downstairs sent a shiver of terror through the group. The creatures were in the building.

"Bastian, Lily, cover the stairs," Zain ordered. "Aiden, watch the windows. We'll take the doors."

But before they could even take their positions, the door to the apartment buckled. A thundering crash shook the walls as one of the mutated monsters slammed into it, its grotesque form barely visible through the splintered wood.

"Shit! They're already here!" Bastian shouted, raising his weapon.

In the blink of an eye, chaos erupted. The door exploded inward, and the creature lunged forward with a bone-chilling snarl. Bastian fired his rifle, hitting it square in the chest, the beast faltered. Its long, twisted limbs clawed at the walls as it fell down.

Jared, Aiden, and Zain unleashed a barrage of bullets, while the others fought to keep the remaining creatures from breaching the windows. The apartment, once peaceful, now echoed with the sounds of gunfire and the monstrous roars of their attackers.

Suddenly, Bastian was tackled to the ground by one of the creatures. Its razor-sharp claws tore through his armor like it was paper. He grunted, struggling to push it off, but the beast was too strong. Blood spattered the floor as it raked its claws across his side.

"Bastian!" Lily screamed, rushing toward him, but Aiden held her back, his face grim.

"Stay back!" he ordered.

Bastian fought with everything he had, his hands wrapped around the creature's throat, trying to choke it as it snarled inches from his face. For a moment, it looked like he might win, but then the creature's jaws snapped open, and it sank its teeth into his neck.

A strangled cry escaped Bastian's lips as his body went limp.

"No!" Lily shrieked, struggling against Aiden's grip, tears streaming down her face.

The group fought desperately to repel the remaining creatures, but the loss of Bastian was a blow they couldn't afford. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the last of the monsters fell, its lifeless body crumpling to the floor.

The apartment was eerily silent once more, but the damage had been done. Bastian lay motionless on the blood-soaked floor, his eyes staring blankly at the ceiling.

Aiden collapsed beside him, his sobs filling the room. "No, no, no," he whispered, cradling his head in his lap. "Bastian, please..."

Kim and Sarah stood frozen, wide eyed as they looked on helplessly. Zain, his face hard with grief, knelt beside Aiden, placing a hand on his shoulder, but there were no words of comfort to offer.

Jared stood in the doorway, his heart heavy with the weight of what had just happened. He wrapped an arm around Brittany, pulling her close, feeling her shake against him. There was no more peace. No more safety.

The monsters had found them. And now, even in this place they had called home, there was no escape from the horrors of their new world.

As they stared at the body of their fallen friend, the bitter truth set in: the apocalypse had taken yet another piece of them.