جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 90

For a long moment, nobody moved. The last line of Hollows disappeared into the trees, leaving the highway exposed beneath the gray morning light. The road looked wounded, cracked, and littered with the bones of the old world, but it was open. For almost three years, that road had belonged to the dead. Now it was empty? Victor slowly stepped forward. He still couldn't believe what just happened. He couldn't speak immediately. None of his soldiers did. They simply stared at the road as though it might vanish if they blinked too fast. One soldier removed his helmet with trembling hands. Another sat down on the edge of the highway and covered his face. Somewhere behind Natasha, someone laughed once, a broken sound full of disbelief, and that small laugh quickly turned into a sob. Claire stood beside the truck, her rifle still in her hands, but even she looked shaken. Rowan walked up beside Natasha and watched the arsenal soldiers. Some were smiling. Some were crying. Others just s

The convoy moved at a steady pace. Its engines echoed through the empty highway, breaking a silence that had ruled the area for almost three years. One after another, the military vehicles followed the command truck with disciplined precision, maintaining enough distance between each vehicle to react if anything unexpected appeared ahead. The fear has not left the soldiers. At least not yet. Even though the Hollows had moved away from the highway, every soldier remained alert. Rifles rested within easy reach. Eyes constantly searched both sides of the road where thick trees had swallowed abandoned neighborhoods. Nature had begun reclaiming everything. Vines climbed over rusted traffic signs, Trees pushed through broken asphalt. Roots split sidewalks that had once carried thousands of people every day. The world had continued moving, even after mankind had nearly stopped. Inside the convoy, the radios remained alive with short updates. "Second vehicle clear." "Fuel truck mainta

The small town grew quiet as evening settled over the convoy. Golden light from the trucks painted the abandoned buildings in warm tones, but the real warmth came from the temporary camp taking shape around the warehouse. Guards took up positions at key corners while others set up portable lights and cooking stations. The smell of stew soon drifted through the air, simple but comforting. The fifteen survivors watched everything with wide, cautious eyes. Many still looked half-convinced this might all disappear like a cruel dream. Michael and Olivia moved among their people with quiet authority, helping organize sleeping areas and making sure everyone had something warm to eat. Ethan stayed close to his parents, his rifle now resting against his shoulder instead of gripped tightly. The young boy’s determination had earned quiet nods of respect from Victor’s soldiers. Natasha stood a short distance away, arms loosely crossed as she observed the careful integration. These were not fi

The drive down to Aaron’s place was seriously quiet as the two decided to wait. But immediately they were out of the car, Aaron’s hand stayed gentle but sure on Natasha’s lower back as they left the noise of the welcoming crowd behind. The elevator doors closed, sealing them in silence as it rose straight to his penthouse. When they stepped inside the spacious, softly lit apartment, Natasha let out a long, tired sigh. “I need a real shower,” she said, rubbing the back of her neck. “I feel like I’ve been living in trucks and dust for days.” Aaron looked at her, a slow smile curving his mouth. “A shower? That’s the first thing you want after everything?” She laughed quietly. “A long one. With actual hot water that doesn’t run out in two minutes.” He didn’t let her walk far, before she knew it, in a fast motion, he bent and lifted her into his arms — bridal style. Natasha let out a surprised squeak, her hands flying to his shoulders. “Aaron!” she cried, half laughing, half embarras

Natasha woke slowly to the steady sound of Aaron’s heartbeat beneath her ear. For a few seconds, she remained still, warm beneath the covers, with one arm resting across his chest. His hand was around her waist, holding her close even in his sleep. The room was quiet. Soft morning light entered through the curtains, spreading across the large bedroom. Outside the windows, New Haven was already coming alive. Vehicles moved along the streets below. Somewhere in the distance, the sound of construction could be heard. But inside the room, everything felt peaceful. Natasha closed her eyes again. Memories from the previous night returned slowly. The warm bath. Aaron, washing her hair. The way he had looked at her without making her feel exposed. She thought about his confession. His lips on her, and the way he held her afterward. Heat spread across her face. She buried her face deeper against his chest, wishing she could hide from her own thoughts. A low laugh sounded above her