Story 378: Shadows on the Horizon

The morning light filtered through the dense canopy of the forest, but the ominous gray clouds on the horizon seemed to cast a pall over Zara’s mood. She adjusted her leather harness, feeling the weight of her gear, and raised the binoculars to her eyes. The landscape stretched out before her—a barren field with jagged cliffs rising in the distance. Between her and that destination was a fortress of twisted metal and debris, unmistakably a stronghold for the infected.

Kellan approached, his usual smirk replaced with a serious expression. "Anything?" he asked, glancing toward the cliffs.

"Plenty," Zara replied, handing him the binoculars. "Patrols along the perimeter, snipers on the towers, and—" She paused, her voice tinged with unease. "Something bigger. Their movement patterns are too organized. Someone’s pulling the strings."

Rowan joined them, resting his rifle on his shoulder. "Let me guess. Zombie King’s lieutenants?"