....They crept forward, stepping carefully over debris. The air was thick with decay, and the faint smell of smoke lingered from a recent fire. As they reached the library’s entrance, a low growl echoed from within. Ava’s grip tightened around the pipe.
“Stay close,” Marcus instructed, pushing open the heavy door with a creak. Inside, the darkness swallowed them, illuminated only by the fading light filtering through shattered windows.
Suddenly, a figure lunged from the shadows—a zombie, its face twisted in hunger. Ava swung her pipe, connecting with a sickening thud. The creature crumpled to the floor, but more were coming, drawn by the noise.
“Run!” Marcus shouted, grabbing Ava’s hand. They dashed deeper into the library, weaving between toppled shelves and scattered books.
