"Move it!" the soldier snapped, glancing nervously back at the growing horde. The flanking positions wouldn't hold much longer. Time was running out.
The trapped drivers were painfully aware of this. Every second felt like an hour.
Finally, it was Zephyr's turn. The soldier peered inside, surprise registering on his face. He gave Zephyr a strange look. "Riding in style, huh?"
The luxurious interior, the two attractive women…the soldier clearly pegged Zephyr as some rich guy prioritizing comfort over survival.
"Just go," he said impatiently.
Zephyr touched his nose, amused. This was a first. Being treated like a privileged one-percenter.
Passing the toll booth window, he noted the shattered glass, the bloodstains, the dangling strips of fabric. No sign of the attendant.
Similar scenes of carnage lined the highway. The virus had exploded globally, transforming the world into a living hell overnight.
The highway was lined with armed soldiers. Gunfire cracked sporadically, followed by the thud of bodies hitting the grass below.
Zephyr drove steadily, catching up with the line of cars. Then, abruptly, they stopped again.
"What's happening?" Lyra asked nervously.
Even within the military's supposed protection, every unexpected stop was unsettling.
Zephyr saw people exiting their cars up ahead. Soldiers were yelling, then moving down the line, repeating their orders. As people evacuated, two bulldozers arrived, shoving abandoned cars off the highway.
Zephyr had a bad feeling about this.
A soldier approached the van. "There's an overturned bus blocking the highway up ahead. It's swarming with zombies. We're clearing it, but the horde is catching up. If there's too much traffic, we'll be trapped. Everyone abandon your vehicles! Keep moving!"
"Women, children, and the elderly can ride in the military trucks. Able-bodied men walk! No arguments! We're walking too!"
"Sunken Safe Island is just ahead. We'll escort you there. It's safe! Food, water, shelter! Everyone out of your vehicles! Now!"
Car doors opened. Most people had minimal belongings.
Hearing the promises of safety and supplies, they scrambled out, desperate not to be left behind.
Soon, only Zephyr's van remained.
"We should go too," Lyra said.
Serena hesitated, looking at Zephyr, still seated behind the wheel. "Zephyr, come on."
Zephyr shook his head. "You two go. I'm not going."
"What?" Serena was stunned.
"Not going?" Lyra echoed. He wasn't going with the military? That didn't make sense.
"The military is going to Sunken Safe Island. I'm going to Zenith City," Zephyr explained.
Besides, he couldn't just abandon the van. It was his lifeline. He wouldn't leave it behind.
His plan had been to drop the girls off with the military, then continue on to Zenith City. Now, with the highway blocked, he'd have to find another route.
"Zenith City…but the highway…" Lyra was incredulous. Safety was right there. Why would he go to Zenith City now?
"Don't do it. It's too dangerous alone. Go with the military," Lyra pleaded.
"I can follow the highway, or find another way. There's always a way," Zephyr said.
"But…"
"It's fine. You two go to the safe island. They'll let you ride in a truck. It'll be easier. Take care of yourselves," Zephyr said firmly.
Seeing his resolve, Lyra felt helpless. The soldier was marching towards them, still yelling.
She gave Zephyr a worried look. "Then…I'll go. Thank you for saving me, Zephyr. Be safe. Maybe we'll see each other again."
"I hope so," Zephyr replied.
"Let's go, Serena," Lyra said softly.
But Serena, silent until now, lifted her chin, a determined look on her face. "I'm not going either."
"Serena!" Lyra gasped. Why not?
Serena looked at Lyra. "Lyra, my home is on the way to Zenith City. If I had to, I'd go to the safe island. But since Zephyr's going that way, I want to try to go home."
Her eyes filled with tears. "I need to see…whether they're alive or…"
She turned to Zephyr. "Zephyr, could I go with you? I can't do much, but…I know the roads. My dad used to drive this route. I've been on it countless times. I know other ways…"
Zephyr considered, then nodded. Knowing the roads would be a definite advantage.
Serena's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Zephyr!" She turned to Lyra. "Lyra, you go. Be safe."
Tears streamed down Lyra's face. She didn't know if her parents were alive either, but her home was too far. Now, her friend was leaving too…
"Get out of the vehicle!" the soldier bellowed, banging on the window.