Story 570: The Lurkers’ Den

The ZETU squad stood frozen in the dim red light of Jenna’s flare, the monstrous alpha zombie towering before them. Its glowing red eyes burned with intelligence, and its elongated limbs twitched as if ready to pounce. Behind it, more lurkers crept out from the shadows, their low growls echoing ominously.

"Form up!" Captain Marcus Kane barked, his shotgun aimed squarely at the alpha. "Shield, keep our front locked. Blaze, prep the charges!"

Derek "Shield" Coleman slammed his riot shield into the ground, creating a solid barrier between the team and the advancing horde. The alpha snarled and leapt forward, slamming into the shield with bone-rattling force. Derek grunted but held his ground, his flashlight catching the horrifying details of the creature's sunken, fleshless face.

"Quick Shot, neutralize those creepers on the walls!" Marcus ordered.