Horrific Shorts: Zombie Edition

Chapter 327 Story 327: Rising From the Ashes

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The smoky haze blanketed the horizon, a grim reminder of Zara Kincaid's sacrifice. Andre sat by the edge of the cliff, his gaze fixed on the smoldering ruins of the hive. His hands trembled as he lit a cigarette, taking a deep drag, though it did little to calm his nerves. Callum paced restlessly behind him, while Mia leaned against a nearby boulder, her face pale, a hastily wrapped bandage on her side.

"She's gone," Callum muttered, his voice cracking. "Zara's really gone."

Andre exhaled slowly, letting the silence stretch. "She did what none of us could. She saved us—and everyone else out there."

"But at what cost?" Mia whispered, her voice raw with grief. "We left her down there, alone. We could've—"

"She chose this," Andre cut in, his tone sharp but heavy with emotion. "And now we have to make sure it wasn't for nothing."

Callum stopped pacing, his fists clenched. "Then what's next? We go back to the settlement and tell them the great Zara Kincaid is dead? That the creatures are gone but so is our leader?"

Andre stood, his broad frame casting a shadow over Callum. "We don't go back to mourn her. We go back to finish her mission. Zara didn't just fight to destroy that hive—she fought to give humanity a fighting chance. And that's exactly what we'll do."

"Run," he commanded.

"But—" Callum started.

"Run!" Andre barked. "Get to the settlement. Warn them. I'll hold it off."

Mia hesitated, tears welling in her eyes. "Andre, you can't—"

"Go!" he shouted, cutting her off.

With no time to argue, Callum grabbed Mia's arm, dragging her away. As they disappeared into the trees, Andre squared his shoulders, staring down the Alpha. His jaw set with grim determination.

"This one's for you, Zara," he muttered, aiming down his sights.

The fight wasn't over—not yet.