Untold Story ║ Book 1 of The Untold series

Chapter 38 - At fault

As we huddled in our hideout, tending to Zane's injury and contemplating our next move, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the recent events bearing down on me. The adrenaline and fear that had fueled our escape from the Venus BioTech building had given way to a somber atmosphere.

I look around, seeing some familiar faces, my family, Vera even general Hargrove hiding in the corner. but i dont see Lucas, i turn to Thomas.

"Where is uncle Lucas?" i ask.

Thomas shakes his head, and i feel my body go cold and limp, another one, just like that. The tears want to fall, but i wont let them, i cant, not with Zane laying injured here, not with little Joel seeing his father like this.

*****

In the dimly lit space, my thoughts were consumed by the sudden and tragic loss of Lucas. His absence left a gaping hole in our group, a void that seemed impossible to fill. The memory of his courage and camaraderie still lingered, and I couldn't help but blame myself for not being able to protect him.

As we worked to address Zane's wound, Noah's gaze remained fixed on me, his eyes a tumultuous storm of emotions. The words he spoke were a painful reminder of the harsh reality we faced.

"Jane, Lucas is dead because of this. Because of you," he accused, his voice heavy with blame.

His words cut deep, a reminder that in our desperate flight from the Venus BioTech building, we had lost one of our own. I understood Noah's grief and anger, and I couldn't help but share in his feelings of responsibility. The burden of guilt weighed heavily on me.

I turned to Noah, my voice trembling as I replied, "I know, Noah. I never wanted any of this to happen. Lucas was family, and I wish I could have done something to protect him."

My gaze dropped to the ground, the overwhelming guilt threatening to consume me. I had led Mike right to the camp, i had created the virus, and the consequences were devastating. The pain of Lucas's death was a harsh lesson, a reminder of the unforgiving world we now lived in.

Noah's anger hadn't abated, but his expression softened, revealing the grief he felt for the loss of a friend. In the silence that followed, we shared our sorrow and regret, knowing that Lucas's memory would forever be a part of our group.

In the midst of our shared grief, I couldn't help but think of Thomas. He had been my anchor in this tumultuous world, a source of strength and support. But his absence since our encounter with Mike was a cause for concern. As we tended to Zane's wound and addressed our losses, I couldn't shake the worry that had settled in my heart.

As we discussed our options and considered how to address the threat posed by Mike, I couldn't help but wonder what to do from now on.

My thoughts were a chaotic whirlwind, torn between the loss of Lucas, the blame that weighed heavily on my shoulders, and the mounting concern for Zane'well-being. In this unforgiving world, the bonds we shared were our greatest strength, but they were also our greatest vulnerability.

*****

The week passed, with us still at the hide-out, all survivors, and even more came on the first and second days since i escaped Mike. We have been hiding here, to observe the walkers, but their numbers have only been increasing.

I hadnt spent so much time with Zane, but only wecause little Joel and Vera had been with him all the time.

Noah still hasnt spoken to me and June was filled with sorrow that i didnt dare go close to her.

"still no change?" i ask Thomas who is peeking through the blinds

"Oh, there is change, but i can assure you its no good change" i looks at me with a smirk, and i roll my eyes at him.

"i think we have a horde situation going on" I say and he nods.

"We cannot go out there, not with this many people and even children" Thomas pauses, "We need the horde to leave"

"How do we do that?" Vera approaches, obviously listening to the conversation.

"With noise" I say

"Its not like we can take an ice cream truck, and make the walkers follow us" Vera says in an attempt to joke.

"That exactly what we can do" I exclaim.

"I get Noah and i will drive the truck" Zane appears.

"Oh hell nah, you are still hurt, and what about Joel" I am clearly displeased with his suggestion.

Zane looks irritated "You need to stop that" he pauses "There is an ambulance down the street, i know where it is. i found it while Thomas was hurt and on a date with nurse Alice" Zane says sarcastically but I still eye Thomas.

"Noah will start the ambulance, i will drive it away with Noah, and the horde will start to follow. at the end when i feel like we have driven enough, Noah and i will take another car, and eventually return" Zane is convinced about his own plan, i nod, i dont know how i can get this out of his head, and even though im the older sister, Zane isnt a child anymore.

"If you can convince Noah, then sure" i just say.

"Im in" i hear a voice from behind me, which surprised me, i look over my shoulder to see Noah, who already is ready to go out.

A few minutes later, Zane and Noah leave through the door to head towards the ambulance. and then the sirene from the ambulance sound.

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Word count : 930

By night-ed

Book one : Untold Story

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