They stood motionless at first, scattered throughout the chamber like grotesque statues. Some were leaning against the crumbling walls, their heads lolling to the side as if they were asleep. Others crouched on the ground, their claws scraping against the stone floor.
The smell hit me next—rot, decay, and something sickly sweet that turned my stomach. It was so strong I gagged, my hand instinctively flying to my mouth.
"Alex," I whispered, my voice trembling. "We—"
But before I could finish, one of the zombies twitched.
Its head snapped up, and I felt its glowing, sunken eyes lock onto us. A low, guttural growl rumbled from its throat, and that was all it took.
Like a switch had been flipped, the entire room came alive.
One by one, the zombies stirred, their heads jerking unnaturally as they registered our presence. The growls grew louder, merging into a terrifying chorus that echoed through the chamber.
