Silas decided decisively upon the barracks, hoping that he could find a weapon to protect himself or ward off these strange and horrific creatures. His survival depended on it. He scanned the street quickly, looking for anything that might be useful.

His eyes landed on one of the carts strewn about, overturned and filled with belongings hastily abandoned. He rushed over, his hands reaching for a large rucksack. It was aged and worn, but the waxed coating indicated some measure of waterproofing, likely the reason it had endured the elements. He ran his fingers over the coarse fabric, testing its durability.

A faint rattle of objects inside made his breath hitch. His gaze darted toward the side streets, darkened by thick, creeping shadows. He swallowed heavily, his heartbeat drumming in his ears. Every sound, every movement in those darkened alleys sent unease prickling down his spine.

If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

Carefully, soundlessly, he emptied the rucksack. Pots, pans, and saucers tumbled out onto the cobbled street, clinking softly. He flinched, his eyes flicking toward the alleys once more, his breath tight. When nothing moved, he exhaled and quickly strapped the rucksack over his shoulders, fastening it tightly over the torn and frayed remains of his clothing. The fabric, already poorly hemmed, had taken more damage from his desperate tumbles and the violent struggle with the now one-eyed monster.

He turned toward the barracks, looming before him, dark and foreboding. His body tensed instinctively. This place had withstood the decay better than others, but that also meant it might still be occupied—by things he’d rather not meet.

Gathering his resolve, he took a step forward, trying his best to move soundlessly. Each footfall was deliberate, his weight shifting carefully with each motion. The silence of the town was deafening, pressing against him like an unseen force.

Before stepping inside, he cast his gaze upward, toward the sun. Not knowing whether he was even still on Earth, he had no way to judge the time. But based on the sun’s movement, he guessed it was late morning. Time was slipping away, and he needed to hurry.

Taking a steadying breath, he turned back toward the entrance. The doorway yawned before him, filled with shadows. His stomach twisted at the thought of stepping into the dark, but he had no choice.

Silas stepped inside.