𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐔𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐒

Chapter 6: Shadows in the Warehouse

The tension lingered as the group moved toward the warehouse district, their movements careful and deliberate. Kabir’s hand hovered near his weapon, his senses on high alert. Tara led the way, her tracking skills guiding them through the maze of abandoned streets and crumbling buildings. Behind them, Saya kept watch, her eyes scanning every shadow for signs of danger.

They had managed to escape the infected earlier, but the memory of their shrieks still echoed in their minds. Kabir's muscles were still taut with adrenaline, knowing that the next encounter could be far more deadly.

"We're getting close," Tara whispered, nodding toward the cluster of looming warehouse buildings in the distance. "Once we get inside, we'll need to move fast. We don’t know how long we have before the infected catch our scent again."

Kabir nodded, his jaw clenched. “Let’s hope this place hasn’t already been picked clean.”

As they approached the first warehouse, the group fell into a hushed silence. The massive metal door hung ajar, and inside, the dim light revealed rows of rusted shelving and crates piled haphazardly. It looked as though the place had been ransacked, but there could still be hidden supplies.

"Split up and search the area," Kabir ordered in a low voice. "Stay within sight of each other, and be quiet."

The group fanned out, moving between the towering shelves. Kabir scanned the area, his eyes darting between shadows as he searched for anything that could help their group. He found himself wishing that they could afford the luxury of taking their time, but every second they spent here was a risk.

Tara moved with precision, her eyes scanning the labels on the crates, looking for any signs of food, medical supplies, or tools they could salvage. Saya checked the far end of the warehouse, her flashlight barely cutting through the thick dust and darkness.

A sudden clatter echoed through the space, and Kabir froze. His hand flew to his weapon as he whirled around, his heart pounding in his ears.

“Stay alert,” he whispered, eyes narrowing as he tried to pinpoint the source of the noise.

Tara turned to Kabir, her expression tense. “Could be scavengers or worse… the infected.”

Just as she spoke, there was a movement in the shadows at the far end of the warehouse. Kabir’s grip tightened on his weapon, and he took a step forward, signaling to the others to stay low.

From the darkness, a figure emerged. It was a young man, gaunt and ragged, his clothes torn and dirty. His eyes were wide with fear as he stumbled forward, hands raised in a gesture of surrender.

“Don’t shoot!” he gasped, his voice hoarse. “I’m not infected!”

Kabir hesitated, his mind racing. The man looked weak, malnourished, but there was no immediate sign of infection. Tara moved closer, her weapon still drawn, but her eyes softened as she studied him.

“Who are you?” Kabir demanded, not lowering his guard.

The man swallowed hard, his breath shaky. “My name’s Aarav. I’ve been hiding here… scavenging what’s left. I— I haven’t seen anyone in days.”

“Are you alone?” Tara asked, her voice cautious but less aggressive.

Aarav nodded frantically. “Yes, yes, I swear. There were others, but they didn’t make it. I’ve just been trying to survive.”

Kabir exchanged a glance with Tara. This was a complication they hadn’t expected. Another survivor meant more mouths to feed, but he couldn’t bring himself to turn the man away, not when they themselves were fighting for every scrap of hope.