Through The Ashes

42

Jorn darted through the narrow streets of Millbrook, her heart pounding in her chest as the sounds of pursuit grew louder behind her. She knew she was running out of time. The Rot was relentless, their guttural cries echoing through the alleyways, a grim reminder of the danger closing in.

As she turned a corner, she skidded to a halt, her eyes scanning the area. She was now in a tight passageway flanked by crumbling brick walls. There was nowhere to go but forward. Taking a deep breath, she tightened her grip on her rifle but knew she wouldn't be able to use it effectively in such close quarters.

Her katana was strapped securely to her back and she could almost hear Spencer in her ear, telling her it was time.

A Rotted stumbled across her, its empty gaze locking onto her. It staggered forward, its decaying limbs moving with a grotesque grace. Jorn didn't wait for it to close the distance. She slung her rifle behind her back and unsheathed her katana in one fluid motion, the blade glinting ominously in the dim light.

"Come on then," she growled, lowering her stance as the creature lunged.

With a quick sidestep, she dodged to the right, letting its momentum carry itself past her. Without hesitation, she slashed her katana across its back, the blade slicing through rotten flesh with a satisfying crunch. It howled in pain, spinning around to face her, but Jorn was already on the move again.

The next was closer, its breath hot and rancid as it charged. Jorn pivoted, using the katana's weight to deliver a powerful upward strike. The blade met flesh, and the creature stumbled backward, its growl turning into a gurgle.

Breathing heavily, Jorn remained focused, her instincts taking over. She could hear more growls approaching from behind, and she needed to act quickly.

As another rotted appeared, its jagged teeth bared, Jorn felt the rush of adrenaline take over. She spun low, narrowly avoiding the creature's grasp, and with a swift, upward slice, she severed its arm at the elbow. It fell back, its remaining arm flailing helplessly.

"Just a little longer," she muttered to herself, eyes darting around for a way out. The heat of the approaching horde pressed around her, and she couldn't afford to let panic take hold.

Jorn crouched low and leaped onto a nearby stack of debris, using the height to her advantage. She pivoted again, facing down at the Rot gathering below. With fierce determination, she swung her katana in a wide arc, targeting the nearest one. The blade connected with bone, sending the creature tumbling to the ground.

But there were too many. For every one she took down, two more seemed to take its place. A deep growl reverberated in the air, and Jorn realized she had to escape this narrow trap before she became overwhelmed.

She sheathed the katana, spotting a fire escape ladder hanging off the side of a building just beyond her reach.

She took a leap of faith, grasping the edge of the ladder and pulling herself up with a powerful swing of her legs. She climbed quickly, her goal to reunite with Mara and the others fueling her ascent.

She reached the top and with a quick glance, she eyed the rooftops, spotting a narrow ledge that would take her back toward the alley where she last saw Mara. She sprinted across the rooftop, leaping over gaps and ducking under low-hanging pipes.

With a fierce determination, she ran toward the edge of the roof, spotting another fire escape that led down to the street below. Taking a deep breath, she leaped over the side, her body twisting in the air as she landed with a roll, absorbing the impact and springing back to her feet although the rifle pressed unevenly into her back.

As she took off down the street, the sounds of the Rot echoing behind her began to fade, but Jorn knew they were still on her trail. She needed to regroup with Mara and the others, but for now, she had bought herself some time.