The tension in the armory was thick, the air charged with unspoken threats. Noah Carter stood relaxed, but Ethan knew better—this man was a predator.
Blaze's growl rumbled through the room like distant thunder. Olivia's grip on her pistol remained steady.
Ethan met Noah's gaze. In the past life, they had fought on opposite sides.
Noah had been a survivor turned warlord, leading one of the most ruthless factions. But back then, Ethan had been just another pawn in the chaos. This time, things were different.
He was different.
"You got here first," Ethan said slowly, calculating his next move. "But I don't see you carrying crates of weapons out the door."
Noah smirked. "Because I was waiting."
"For what?" Olivia asked, her voice sharp.
Noah slung his rifle over his shoulder, completely unfazed by the tension. "To see who else knew this place was worth hitting." He nodded toward Ethan. "Looks like I got my answer."
Ethan exhaled slowly. This guy was smart. Dangerous.
But he also wasn't pulling the trigger.
That meant he was considering something.
Olivia, never one for patience, took a step forward. "So what now? You expect us to walk away empty-handed?"
Noah chuckled. "Not exactly. I was thinking… a trade."
Ethan narrowed his eyes. "What do you want?"
Noah leaned against a shelf, studying them like a man sizing up an investment. "You two are clearly not idiots. And you have… him." His gaze flicked to Blaze, whose golden eyes glowed in the dim light. "I don't know what that thing is, but I know power when I see it."
Ethan remained silent. He needed to see where this was going.
Noah continued. "The world's about to go to hell. You know it. I know it. I don't plan to die in the first wave. I need strong allies."
Olivia scoffed. "You want to team up?"
Noah shrugged. "For now."
Ethan finally spoke. "You're not the type to work well with others."
Noah grinned. "Neither are you. That's why this could work."
Silence stretched between them.
Ethan weighed the risks. Noah was dangerous. But he was also one of the best fighters Ethan had ever seen. In the past life, Noah's faction had survived longer than most.
If Ethan didn't take him as an ally now, they might face him as an enemy later.
He glanced at Olivia. She gave the smallest nod—a silent agreement to let him decide.
Ethan looked back at Noah.
"Fine. We work together." He extended a hand. "For now."
Noah's smirk widened as he shook Ethan's hand.
The strongest survivors were beginning to gather.
And soon, the world would burn.
The Countdown Begins
Armed with new weapons and an unexpected ally, Ethan, Olivia, and Noah loaded up their supplies.
As they stepped out of the police station, the city stretched before them—silent, unaware of what was coming.
Ethan checked his watch.
10:14 PM.
Twelve hours and twenty-eight minutes until the first outbreak.
Blaze let out a low growl, his fur sparking with energy.
Ethan tightened his grip on his gun. Time was running out.