The Last Stand (17)

The streets outside were eerily quiet, their usual tense energy replaced by an almost surreal calm.

The faint groans of distant zombies added to the strange symphony of the apocalypse, but Aurielle and Linsley strolled leisurely, their weapons more accessories than tools of survival for the moment.

Linsley's rifle rested lazily across his back, while Aurielle twirled one of her pistols, her steps light and unhurried, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

"It's weird," Aurielle said, breaking the silence, her tone contemplative but light. "Walking through all this without worrying about what's lurking around the corner… It's almost peaceful."

Linsley's smirk softened as his golden eyes scanned the horizon. "Not the kind of peaceful you'd find in some countryside or park, but I'll take it."

They passed the remains of an old bookstore, its window shattered and shelves looted long ago.