Betrayed Once More

Ethan's breath was ragged as he sprinted through the ruined streets, his boots crunching against shattered glass and debris. The sky was a dull gray, the air thick with the smell of death and decay. Every step sent pain through his body, but he forced himself to move. He had no choice.

Cole was just ahead, panting as he ran, his wide eyes darting in every direction. They had been fighting side by side moments ago, taking down a swarm of mutants. Ethan had saved him—again. And now, despite everything, despite the betrayal, he had chosen to help Cole once more.

Ethan wasn't sure why. Maybe it was because, in this ruined world, companionship still held value. Or maybe he simply wasn't the kind of man who left others to die. Even if that person had once left him for dead.

Their boots splashed through puddles of blood as they reached an alleyway, its narrow walls offering some protection from the chaos outside. The city had become a nightmare—a hunting ground for the horrors that had emerged from the sinkholes.

Cole slumped against the wall, gasping for breath. "Damn... that was close."

Ethan didn't respond. He kept his grip firm on his knife, his last remaining weapon. The gun strapped to his back only had a few bullets left. He had to conserve them.

Cole noticed Ethan's silence and chuckled weakly. "Still mad at me?"

Ethan's eyes narrowed. "You left me for dead, Cole. Twice."

Cole grinned, but there was something unsettling in his eyes. "And yet, here you are. Helping me."

Ethan didn't have time for this. "We need to move. More mutants will be coming."

Cole nodded, pushing off the wall. They moved through the alley, sticking to the shadows. The city was infested with mutants of all kinds—zombies, ghouls, grotesque creatures with twisted limbs and hollow eyes. But the worst of them were the Level 2 mutants—the ones that had evolved beyond mere mindless beasts.

And Ethan knew there were more levels beyond that.

The two of them reached a collapsed section of the street, where abandoned cars were piled up, creating a makeshift barrier. Beyond it was a narrow passage leading toward an old shopping district—a place that might still have supplies.

Ethan climbed over the wreckage first, scanning the area. It was quiet—too quiet.

Cole hesitated before following. "You think we'll find anything?"

Ethan didn't answer. Instead, he raised a hand, signaling for silence. His instincts screamed at him—something wasn't right.

Then, a low growl echoed through the streets.

Ethan's heart pounded as he turned. Shadows shifted between the ruined buildings. Something was moving. No—many things were moving.

Cole swore under his breath. "They're coming."

Ethan didn't hesitate. "Move!"

They broke into a sprint, weaving through the wreckage. The sound of claws scraping against pavement grew louder. Grotesque figures emerged from the shadows—dozens of them, their deformed faces twisted in hunger.

Ethan fired two shots, hitting the nearest mutants in the head. They collapsed, but more took their place.

"There's too many!" Cole shouted.

Ethan gritted his teeth. "Keep running!"

They turned a corner and found themselves on a collapsed highway ramp. Below them was a massive sinkhole—one of the many that had swallowed parts of the city. Ethan could see twisted remains of buildings jutting out from its depths, as if the earth itself had tried to consume civilization.

A bridge connected their side to another section of the highway. If they could cross it, they might be able to lose the horde.

Ethan sprinted forward, but Cole hesitated.

"What are you waiting for? Move!" Ethan yelled.

Cole's eyes flickered with something unreadable. Then, he smirked.

"Sorry, Ethan. But I don't need you anymore."

Before Ethan could react, Cole shoved him—hard.

Ethan stumbled backward, his foot slipping on the crumbling pavement. The ground beneath him gave way, and he fell. His fingers scrambled for a grip, catching the edge of the broken highway just in time.

"COLE!" Ethan roared, rage and disbelief surging through him.

Cole stood over him, looking down with an expression that was almost... amused.

"You're a survivor, Ethan. Maybe you'll make it out. Maybe you won't. Either way, I can't risk you slowing me down."

Ethan's grip tightened. His blood boiled. "You son of a—"

Before he could finish, a horrifying screech tore through the air.

Ethan's head snapped to the side.

The mutants had caught up.

They poured onto the highway like a flood of nightmares—hundreds, maybe thousands of them. Their eyes gleamed with hunger, their twisted bodies convulsing as they charged forward.

Cole's smirk faltered. He turned and ran, disappearing into the ruins.

Ethan grit his teeth. I'll kill you for this. But first, he had to survive.

The mutants were getting closer. Their grotesque faces twisted with hunger. He had seconds to act.

Ethan swung himself up, pulling his body over the edge of the broken highway. He rolled just as the first mutant lunged.

He drove his knife into its throat.

Black blood sprayed across his face, but he didn't flinch. He twisted the blade, yanked it free, and moved. Another came at him—a creature with elongated limbs and hollow eyes. He ducked under its swipe and stabbed upward, piercing its jaw.

His muscles screamed in protest, but he couldn't stop. Not now.

More mutants surrounded him. He had no way out.

Ethan's mind raced. His only chance was to reach the edge of the bridge and—

Wait.

His eyes flickered to the sinkhole below.

It was a suicide drop. But compared to being ripped apart by thousands of mutants? It was his best option.

He took a deep breath, steeling himself.

Then he ran.

He dodged between the creatures, slashing, stabbing, kicking. Blood splattered the pavement. His body screamed in pain, but he didn't stop.

The edge of the bridge loomed ahead.

One last sprint.

A mutant lunged, claws slashing toward his face.

Ethan ducked.

He reached the edge.

And jumped.

The world blurred as he plummeted, the wind roaring past his ears.

Darkness swallowed him whole.