Horrific Shorts: Zombie Edition

Chapter 270: Story 270: The Betrayer’s Bane

The morning mist shrouded the sanctuary, thick and heavy with anticipation. Damien Rook, feeling the weight of his promise to protect, sharpened his blade alone near the edge of camp. Over the past days, their numbers had swelled as new survivors came seeking refuge, but Damien’s instincts buzzed with unease. In this world, the cost of trust could be fatal.

Just as he sheathed his weapon, Mira appeared beside him, her expression grim. "Elias went missing last night. He hasn’t reported in."

Explore hidden tales at novelhall.Côm

Damien tensed, knowing Elias’s loyalty was a thin thread; the man’s recent betrayal had been forgiven but not forgotten. "Gather everyone. I’ll speak to them."

Within minutes, the camp’s survivors assembled in the clearing, and Damien’s eyes swept over the crowd, lingering on each face. "Elias is gone. If anyone has seen him or knows his whereabouts, step forward."

Just as Gruk reached for Elias, a crossbow bolt whizzed through the air, striking the zombie lieutenant square in the chest. Gruk roared, his skeletal frame twisting in pain as he stumbled back.

Elias turned, eyes wide in terror as he spotted Damien and Mira. "I... I didn’t know they’d kill me," he stammered, backing away.

Damien moved toward him, expression hard. "And you thought we’d forgive you again?"

Before Elias could respond, Gruk lunged at them, his wounds barely slowing him. Mira sprang forward, launching herself at the creature with her dagger drawn, aiming for its eyes. Damien followed, swinging his blade in a powerful arc, severing Gruk’s arm.

In the fray, Elias fled. But as the fight ended and Gruk lay defeated, Damien glanced at the path where Elias had vanished. This was far from over; Elias would pay for his betrayal. For now, Damien and Mira turned back toward the sanctuary, ready to face the darkness Elias had left behind.