POV: Jenna
The camp was unusually quiet that night, save for the occasional groan from Jenna's zombie gang. Most of the humans were resting or pretending to, the events of the day weighing heavily on them. Jenna, however, was wide awake, her crowbar resting across her knees as she stared into the flickering campfire.
Her mind replayed the battle with the mutant creature over and over again. Something about it didn't sit right. It wasn't just the sheer size or ferocity of the thing—it was the way it had seemed… intentional. Like it had been created for destruction.
"You look like you're thinking," Carl's voice broke through her thoughts, startling her.
"Careful," Jenna replied, managing a grin. "You might strain yourself if you try to keep up."
Carl smirked, taking a seat beside her. "Seriously, though. You okay?"
Jenna sighed, twirling her crowbar absentmindedly. "Yeah. Just trying to make sense of all this."
Carl nodded, his expression thoughtful. "You're not the only one. Rick's been asking the same questions."
Jenna glanced at him, her brow furrowing. "And what's he come up with?"
"Nothing concrete," Carl admitted. "But he's convinced there's a bigger force at play here. Something that's pulling the strings."
"Great," Jenna muttered, leaning back against a log. "Just what we need. A mysterious puppet master in the middle of an apocalypse."
Carl chuckled softly. "At least it keeps things interesting."
---
POV: Kane
Kane watched the camp from the shadows, his eyes narrowed as he studied Jenna and Carl. They were too close for his liking, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. It was a problem—one he needed to solve sooner rather than later.
His attention shifted to Theo, who was pacing near the edge of camp, his frustration evident. Kane approached him quietly, his voice smooth and calm.
"Still doubting Rick's leadership?" Kane asked.
Theo scowled. "He's too soft. Too trusting. And it's going to get us all killed."
Kane nodded slowly. "Then perhaps it's time for someone else to step up."
Theo glanced at him, his expression uncertain. "And you think that someone should be me?"
Kane smiled faintly. "You've got the passion, Theo. The drive. All you need is the right opportunity."
Theo's scowl deepened, but he didn't argue. Kane's words had planted a seed of doubt—and ambition.
---
POV: Rick
Rick sat with Sarah near the campfire, his knife resting in his lap. The day's events had left him on edge, and the uneasy silence of the night wasn't helping.
"We need a plan," Sarah said, breaking the silence. "That thing in the store—it's not going to stay put forever."
Rick nodded, his jaw tightening. "I know. But we can't just rush in blind. We need to figure out what we're dealing with first."
Sarah hesitated, then said, "What if this is just the beginning? What if there are more of those things out there?"
Rick didn't answer right away. The thought had crossed his mind more than once, and it terrified him. "Then we'll deal with them. One at a time."
---
POV: Jenna
Jenna leaned against a tree, watching the camp as it slowly settled into an uneasy sleep. Her zombie gang was clustered nearby, groaning softly as they stared into the darkness.
"Alright, guys," Jenna said quietly, addressing her gang. "Here's the deal. Tomorrow, we're taking that thing down. And by 'we,' I mostly mean Carl and Rick."
One of the zombies let out a low, questioning growl.
Jenna grinned. "Don't worry. You'll get your chance to shine. Maybe we'll let you carry some supplies or something."
The zombie groaned again, this time sounding vaguely disappointed.
"Hey, it's a team effort," Jenna said, patting the zombie on the shoulder. "And team morale is important. So, good job, everyone. Keep up the excellent groaning."
---
POV: Carl
Carl couldn't sleep. The image of the mutant creature haunted him, its unnatural form a stark reminder of how dangerous the world had become. He glanced over at Jenna, who was still talking to her zombies as if they could actually understand her.
Despite himself, Carl smiled. Jenna's quirks were equal parts infuriating and endearing. She had a way of making even the worst situations seem almost… normal.
"What are you smiling at?" Jenna called, catching him off guard.
"Nothing," Carl said quickly, looking away.
Jenna smirked. "Careful, Carl. You're starting to like me."
Carl shook his head, but he couldn't hide the faint smile that lingered on his lips. "Let's just focus on surviving tomorrow."
"Always," Jenna said, her grin widening. "But I reserve the right to look fabulous while doing it."