LOGINI stared at my reflection, unable to understand what I was seeing. My eyes were glowing a vivid, unnatural red, and no matter how many times I blinked, the color refused to disappear. I leaned closer to the mirror, examining them from different angles, hoping I would find some reasonable explanation for what was happening. “What the hell is going on with me?” My heart pounded as I remembered the infected and the strange changes they underwent. Was I becoming one of them? The thought sent a wave of panic through me, and I gripped the edge of the sink, trying to steady myself. Before I could examine my eyes any further, the lights suddenly went out. The bathroom plunged into darkness, but instead of being unable to see, I found myself staring at the room as clearly as before. I could make out the sink, the shower, and even the smallest details around me without any difficulty. How was that possible? I turned toward the mirror, and my heart nearly stopped when I saw my eyes gla
Evie studied Nate for a moment, taking in his uncertain expression.“Why do you want to leave?” she asked. “Is there something wrong with this settlement?”“No. Not exactly.” Nate shifted the strap of his bag on his shoulder. “It's just that staying here feels like doing nothing. Everyone has settled into a routine, and I understand why. It's safer that way. But I don't think I can stay in one place while everything outside is falling apart.”He glanced toward the others before looking back at her. “I don't like feeling caged. I want to keep moving, see what's out there, and maybe find somewhere I can actually make a difference.”Evie considered his words. “And you think you can do that with us?”“I think so.” Nate hesitated, then continued, “Besides, Adam is looking for his daughter. I might be able to help him. I saw her before, and I could help him retrace his steps. I know it's not much, but I want to try.”Evie's expression changed slightly. She hadn't known Nate had any informat
“I think I saw her.”For a moment, Adam couldn't find his voice. He stared at Nate, afraid that if he moved or spoke too quickly, the fragile hope rising inside him might disappear.“You saw her?” he finally asked. “Where?”Nate glanced at the photograph still in Adam's hand, then back at him. “It was a few weeks ago, before I found this settlement. There was a group of survivors I was staying with, and I remember seeing a girl who looked like her.”Adam moved closer. “Can you describe the area?”“It was on the outskirts of a town. There was an old market near the main road, with a row of shops that had already been abandoned. A little farther down was a petrol station. Most of the people who had taken shelter there were staying in the surrounding buildings. That's where I saw her.”Adam's fingers tightened around the photograph. “Was she alone?”“No. She was with a woman.” Nate paused, trying to recall the details. “I assumed the woman was her mother. They seemed close.”His words st
By the time Evie woke up, the settlement was already stirring.They had agreed to leave that evening, when the infected were less active and the roads would be easier to navigate. Until then, everyone had time to gather supplies, check their weapons, and prepare for the journey.Outside, some survivors were busy packing their belongings, while others moved between the buildings, carrying boxes and sorting through what they could take. A few people, however, remained seated near the communal area, watching the preparations without making any effort to join in.Evie approached them and addressed the group. “We're leaving this evening. If you want to come with us, you should start packing now. If you'd rather stay here, that's your choice. I'm not forcing anyone.”The survivors exchanged glances. Some whispered among themselves, while others looked toward the settlement's buildings as though weighing their options.“We'll stay,” one of them finally said.Another nodded in agreement. “Th
Ethan stared at Evie as though she had just accused him of something unforgivable. “What are you talking about?” he demanded. Lily's face had gone pale. “Evie, that's not true.” “I'm not asking you, Lily.” Evie turned to Ethan. “You and I both know I'm not making this up.” “Evie, are you seriously accusing me of having an affair with her?” “Accusing you?” Evie laughed dryly. “Don't be ridiculous, Ethan. I'm simply asking why you spend more time with her than you do with your own wife. Every time she cries, you're there at her beck and call. But when was the last time you cared enough to ask how I was doing?” “Lily is going through a difficult time.” “And what about me? I'm your wife, Ethan. Why can't you show me the same concern? Every time we have an argument, you're always defending her. Doesn't that tell you something?” His expression hardened. “I think you're being insecure. There's no reason for you to feel threatened by Lily.” “Insecure?” Evie repeated, a bitter laugh
Evie woke with the sound of howling still lingering in her ears.For a moment, she lay motionless, staring at the ceiling. The memory of standing on the balcony the previous night came back in fragments: the cold air against her skin, the distant howls rising beyond the settlement walls, and the strange urge that had compelled her to answer them.She had done it without thinking. Her cheeks warmed as she remembered the sound she had made.What had come over her?She sat up and rubbed her temples. She couldn't explain why the howling had affected her so deeply or why responding to it had felt so natural. The memory left her unsettled, but there was no time to dwell on it. They had planned to leave the settlement that morning, and she needed to make sure everyone was ready.After washing and dressing, she stepped into the common room. Several members of the group were already awake, gathered around the tables with breakfast. The children were eating, while Caleb and Darius discussed th







