Reian rubbed his stomach, coughing a bit, and explained everything about the virus, the zombies, and how the taped books protect them from bites.
“You need to put these on too,” Reian said, handing her some books.
“If they bite you, or if their blood gets into a cut, you’ll turn into one of them.”
Silya’s eyes widened as she started wrapping her arms.
“So we turn if we get their blood on our scratches?”
“Exactly,” Reian said.
Then he tried to cheer her up.
“Honestly, when Flame and I were terrified earlier, we actually took a selfie in this outfit just to beat the fear.
It actually helps.”
Silya managed a small laugh and stood up, all geared up.
“Alright, fine.
Let’s take a group selfie then, just to get rid of the fear.”
Flame and Silvia walked over, and the four of them crowded together for a quick picture.
For a second, they felt like normal teenagers again.
But reality hit right back.
“Oh my god…
Mom and Dad,” Silya gasped, turning pale.
She grabbed her phone and frantically called her parents.
It rang for a while until a weak voice answered.
“Mom?!
Dad?!
Are you guys okay?!” Silya cried out.
“Silya…
baby,” her mom’s voice was incredibly weak.
“I don’t have much time.
I don’t know what happened to your dad.
Are you safe?”
“Yes, Mom, I’m safe!
I’m safe with my friends.
What happened to Dad?!”
“Sweetheart, just listen,” her mom whispered, coughing painfully.
“As long as you’re safe…
that’s all that matters.
You…
you told me about that boy, right?
Reian?
Are you with him?”
Reian froze.
We just met a few days ago!”
Silya looked down, her face turning red.
“Right after we exchanged names…
I told her when I got home.”
On the phone, her mom heard him.
“Reian?
Is Reian there?”
Reian took the phone quickly.
“Yes, Ma’am.
I’m here.”
“Reian…
please,” her voice cracked.
“Please take care of my daughter.
Keep her safe.”
“Ma’am, please don’t talk like that,” Reian pleaded.
“We’re coming to get you.”
“My time is up, Reian.
I’m infected,” her mom said softly.
“Your dad already turned.
It’s all over the TV.
This virus is everywhere.
Just keep my baby safe.
Promise me.”
Reian swallowed hard, his jaw tightening.
“I promise, Ma’am.
I will protect her, no matter what.”
“Silya?” her mom called out one last time.
Silya grabbed the phone back, crying heavily.
“Mom, please, no…”
“Don’t cry, my beautiful girl.
Take care of yourself.
You have such good friends with you…” Her voice got quieter.
“I guess it’s time to say goodbye.
Bye, Silya.”
“Mom!
Bye, Mom!” Silya wailed.
Her mom had turned.
Silya dropped the phone and broke down completely.
The room went totally quiet.
Reian, Flame, and Silvia stood there, feeling incredibly sad.
Reian didn’t hesitate—he stepped forward and hugged Silya tightly, letting her cry into his chest.
“We couldn’t do anything,” Reian whispered softly.
“But I’m going to keep my promise.
I will protect you.”
Silya sniffled, wiping her tears aggressively.
She tried to look tough.
“Fine.
But I’m not a kid, Reian.
I can protect myself too.”
Reian smiled a little.
“Yeah.
I know you can.”
When he looked up, he saw Flame standing by the door with a massive, teasing smirk on his face.
Reian rolled his eyes, feeling embarrassed.
“What?
What are you looking at, bro?” he muttered.
Flame just raised his eyebrows, his smirk getting wider.
Reian blushed, and to hide it, he walked past him and landed a playful punch right in Flame’s stomach.
“Shut up.”
Reian cleared his throat and turned back to the group.
“Alright, let’s go.
We have to save Beran too.”
They packed up, checked their weapons, and went back out into the dangerous streets.
They fought through every obstacle, dodging zombies, and finally reached Beran’s neighborhood.
They ran up to his house, but as they got close, Reian stopped dead in his tracks.
The front door was wide open.
“Beran!” Reian yelled, panicking as he bolted inside.
But the moment he ran through the doorway and looked around, he froze in absolute shock.
The whole group gasped, staring at what was inside…
Surprise!
I know things have been crazy busy lately, but I managed to catch a bit of free time in my schedule and immediately used it to finish up this chapter for you guys.
Hope you all enjoy the update, and thank you so much for the patience and support!
I use Instagram to post notices and sneak peeks about all the upcoming chapters!
Come hang out and follow me on Instagram @omnith.supremacy to make sure you never miss an update!