The Weight of Survival

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Chapter 31: The Weight of Survival

The dim glow of the underground shelter flickered as Lucian sat at his workstation, scrolling through the security footage. His crimson eyes glowed in the darkness, reflecting the screens in front of him. The world outside had grown even crueler in the past week. The zombies weren't just evolving; they were getting smarter.

Lucian took a deep breath, his fingers gripping the armrest of his chair. Even with all the preparations, even with his infinite storage, there were still risks. The apocalypse wasn't just about having supplies and strength—it was about surviving against an ever-changing enemy.

A soft knock came from behind him. He didn't turn.

"Lucian?" Evelyn's voice was hesitant, barely above a whisper.

"What is it?" he asked, his tone sharp.

She hesitated before stepping into the dim light, her pale blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. "We… we need to talk."

Lucian finally turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "About what?"

Evelyn clenched her fists. "About the women you're bringing in. About how you—" She stopped, inhaling sharply. "Lucian, I'm grateful for you saving me. I really am. But…" Her voice wavered. "You're treating them like trophies."

Lucian arched an eyebrow. "And?"

Evelyn's lips trembled. "They're people, Lucian. They're scared, desperate, and you—"

"I saved them." He stood up, towering over her. "I gave them shelter. Food. Protection. What more do they want?"

"They want to be treated like humans, not collectibles!" Evelyn snapped.

Lucian smirked. "If they didn't want to be here, they wouldn't be. They made their choice."

Evelyn's hands balled into fists at her sides. She knew it was useless to argue, but she couldn't ignore it anymore. He was changing.

No—he had changed.

This wasn't the Lucian she remembered before the apocalypse. He had always been quiet, withdrawn… But now? Now, he was ruthless. Calculating. Unforgiving.

The worst part?

She couldn't tell if she hated it… or was drawn to it.

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A New Threat Emerges

Before Evelyn could speak again, the alarms blared. Red lights flashed throughout the shelter.

Lucian's expression hardened as he moved toward the monitors. "What the hell—"

His eyes widened. The cameras showed a group of survivors outside the perimeter.

No—not just any survivors.

Armed men.

Lucian's fingers tightened into a fist. He had seen this type before—raiders. The kind of people who preyed on the weak. Who thought that just because the world had ended, rules didn't exist anymore.

They were about to learn how wrong they were.

Lucian grabbed his rifle from the wall, slinging it over his back. He turned to Evelyn. "Stay inside."

Evelyn swallowed hard but nodded.

Lucian strode toward the elevator, his mind already strategizing. This was his territory. His fortress.

And anyone who tried to take it from him…

Would die screaming.

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To be continued…