APOCALYPIC: Season 1

CHAPTER 12: A FAINT ALLIANCE

CHAPTER 12: A FAINT ALLIANCE

The air hung thick and stale in the dimly lit sewer as Emma and Avi faced the strangers, each of them hard-faced and silent. Emma kept a steady grip on Avi's shoulder, her gaze sharp, unwavering as she studied each person before her. No one moved or spoke for several breaths; they simply stared, wary and calculating.

Finally, Kai, standing at the front with arms crossed and his expression stone-cold, let out a low scoff. "So you're just passing through?" His voice was quiet, but it cut through the silence.

Emma held his gaze, saying nothing. She could feel Avi tense at her side, his hand gripping her jacket, but she stayed still, meeting Kai's cold look with one of her own.

Daron, a lanky young man with a hint of a smirk, broke the silence with a dry chuckle. "Right. Because two people wandering the sewers is completely normal." He tilted his head, looking her up and down with scepticism.

Emma's expression didn't waver. "I don't explain myself to strangers."

Daron chuckled again, but the others stayed silent, watching her closely. Lisa, her arms folded, narrowed her eyes as if trying to read Emma's intentions. Isabella, standing quietly to the side, glanced at Avi, her expression softening for a second, but she quickly looked away.

Kai spoke again, his gaze never leaving Emma. "We're not looking to babysit, lady. And we don't need extra mouths to feed."

"Who said anything about asking for help?" Emma replied coolly. "I'm getting out of here. you're in my way so fuck off"

Kai's expression didn't change, but he exchanged a look with Lisa, who raised an eyebrow. "You got guts," she muttered.

Daron, who was still with the rest of the group, smirked and nudges Eddie and whispers

"Reminds of someone we know"

Eddie glances at Daron and rolls his eyes

"Not now, dude"

Then, Kai takes a step closer to Emma, scanning her and Avi up and down

"Don't try anything"

He speaks.

Emma narrows her brows and glares at him. "Then don't waste your time. We're out of your way soon anyways."

The group stays silent, sizing her up, and Emma could feel the weight of their stares, the mistrust etched into each of their faces. Avi's hand clutched at her arm as he looks around, his eyes darting from one face to the next and he gulps

Michelle, her red-rimmed eyes casting shadows over her face, let out a trembling breath. "It's not safe here. We need to keep moving," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Agreed," Kai muttered. "And the fewer distractions, the better."

Emma's jaw clenched. She didn't have the patience for this kind of standoff. "Fine. We'll go our own way." She turned to leave, pulling Avi with her.

But as they turned, the sound of faint footsteps echoed through the tunnel, drawing everyone's attention. The footsteps were slow, methodical, and getting closer. The group fell silent, listening. The distant groaning of the undead drifted through the sewer, growing louder with each step.

Daron's smirk vanished as he took a step back. "Guess we've got company."

Lisa cursed under her breath. "Not now. Not here."