The City of Hope
Book 1 of 2, by Elena J.
Between the apocalypse, the stress of navigating and surviving, Athilia doesn't have room for feelings. Zade does though, and he's not afraid to show it. They go from two to six as they and they're companions, Bennet, Eryn, Levi and Rosalyn try to make it across a heavily wooded Sector to Servido where they can hopefully find some sort of peace. It's been so long since any of them have felt true peace.
The Moribund is a cruel, painful and slow death, sometimes it twists you, in unimaginable ways. At least that's how they think Crawlers are made. There's love, betrayal, hurt, they'll fight, protect, advise and survive together. Hopefully.