Blood To Ashes

Chapter 1

It's been three years since the world turned to hell. As I return home at 5:00 a.m., the night hangs like a veil of cold darkness, and the moon sits ominously at its highest peak. The air cuts across my skin, sharp and biting, yet it's strangely comforting. The path home is scattered with dry, crackling leaves... and faint smears of blood. I breathe in the earthy scent, a reminder of the world that once was—where such things brought peace. Now, even the scent of decay feels like home. Funny how you get used to the worst.

The wind whispers through the dead streets, carrying echoes of something distant, something lurking. I lost track of time, a mistake in this kind of world. Out here, time isn't a friend; it's a countdown to death. Most days, I wonder how I even got here. My past is nothing more than a nightmare I can't remember... and maybe that's for the best.

As I unlock the door, creaking into the house, I hear a voice from behind.

"Layla! Where the hell have you been?!"

Mia's voice cuts through the silence like a blade. She stands in the doorway, eyes wide with panic, arms crossed tightly against her chest. Her presence is as cold as the night outside. "I was worried sick! You know the rules—we don't go out after dark, especially outside the community."

I shrug, tired of her constant overbearing concern. "Look, Mia, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. I just... needed space. It's been tough. I wanted to feel free, just for a moment." My voice is hollow, but my frustration bleeds through.

Her eyes narrow. "Lulu, we've all suffered. Not everything revolves around you. You're not special. We all want freedom, but this isn't the time for selfishness. If you want to survive, you'd better start acting like it."

The words sting, but they're not entirely untrue. My fists clench, anger bubbling beneath the surface. "I KNOW! Just... leave me alone. Do you enjoy lecturing me? I don't need your pity."

Mia's face twists with irritation, running her hands through her hair. Her voice rises, a mixture of fury and exhaustion. "Girl, stop acting like a b***h and suck it up! We have to move—get your stuff."

"Move?!" I snap, my patience wearing thin. "Where the hell are we going? And why the f**k do I have to go with you? I'm exhausted. I just want to sleep." My voice is harsh, but I don't care. Mia acts like she's in charge, but she's not. She's not my mother, and I'm done pretending to care.

Her eyes flash with anger, but beneath it, I sense something else. Fear.

"First, we regroup with the others. Then we go out to check the perimeter. You're coming with me whether you like it or not. That's final." Her voice is cold, leaving no room for argument.

I roll my eyes, grinding my teeth. "Fine, but don't rush me. I'll pack my things, and we'll leave tomorrow morning. It's too late to go out now." My gut twists uncomfortably, as if warning me of something. Something big is coming. I can feel it.

Mia crosses her arms, eyes narrowing. "This wouldn't have happened if you were here earlier. But no, you had to chase your so-called 'freedom'."

She pauses, her face softening for a moment, before she snaps back to her usual commanding self. "We'll meet at the main hall tomorrow morning. Don't be late."

"Mhm, whatever." I turn away, already tired of the conversation.

As she heads for the door, she glances back with a smirk. "Oh, by the way, I'll be with Max at the usual spot if you need me. See you later, bitch." She slams the door shut, leaving me in the eerie silence of the house.

I grit my teeth at her parting remark. Mia thinks she can drive a wedge between Max and me. She's jealous of our bond—too bad for her, he's like a brother to me. Nothing she says or does will change that.

I drag myself upstairs to pack my things. The house feels unnaturally quiet. Every creak of the floorboards sounds too loud. In the distance, the wind picks up, howling through the cracks in the window. It carries a strange scent... something metallic... like blood.

I glance outside. The street is deserted, but I can't shake the feeling that something is watching me. My heart races as I shove supplies into my survival backpack. Weapons, food, medical supplies—it's all in there. My gut keeps screaming that I'll need it soon.

As I zip the bag, a low sound rumbles from downstairs—a scraping, dragging noise, like something being pulled across the floor.

I freeze.

Was that Mia? No... she already left.

Slowly, I grab a knife from my nightstand, gripping it tightly as I move toward the stairs. My pulse thuds in my ears, louder with each step. The sound grows, heavier, closer. I peer down into the dimly lit hallway, shadows flickering ominously on the walls.

"Mia?" I whisper, my voice barely audible.

No answer.

A cold gust rushes past me, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. My throat tightens as I descend the stairs, every sense on high alert. And then... I see it.

A figure standing in the middle of the living room. Its back is to me, tall, gaunt, and covered in dark, matted hair. It's dragging something—no, someone—across the floor. Blood trails behind it.

I step back, a cold sweat breaking out across my skin.

The creature turns, its face distorted and monstrous, with glowing red eyes that pierce through the dark. Its mouth hangs open, revealing rows of jagged teeth, dripping with gore. In its claws, it clutches a lifeless body... a body I recognize.

It's Mia.