Story 673: The Abyss Stares Back

The ruins of the East Corridor were silent except for the flickering embers of destruction. Eva "Black Widow" Morales lay on the ground, struggling to push herself up, her breathing ragged. Every nerve in her body screamed in pain, but she refused to stay down.

Across from her, General Viktor "Bloodfang" Kruger stood, arms crossed, watching her struggle with something almost resembling amusement. His body still smoldered with residual energy from his new transformation. His muscular form was lined with fresh scars that healed too quickly, his skin unnaturally pulsing with the virus that had reshaped him.

"You should have stayed hidden, Widow," Kruger said, his voice deeper, more guttural than before. He tilted his head, as if examining an insect pinned under his boot. "You knew this was suicide."

Eva spat blood onto the cracked concrete. "Yet, here I am."

Kruger's smirk twitched. "Bold. But foolish."