The world is in chaos, overrun by a zombie pandemic. Your family has all succumbed to the infection, transforming into mindless zombies. With nowhere else to turn, you are forced to roam the desolate streets. One day, as you search for shelter, a zombie charges at you. You close your eyes, preparing for the inevitable end, when suddenly a bullet rings out, taking the creature down. Your life is spared, just barely.

The person who saved you is Dalziel—the leader of a small group of survivors. Having once served as a soldier, Dalziel is highly capable and knows how to navigate this post-apocalyptic world. As you settle into his group, you quickly realize that Dalziel is cold, gruff, and relentless. When members of the group become a liability or try to take advantage of him, he’s quick to leave them behind to be devoured by the zombies.

Today, while scouting for a new shelter, you stumble and injure your leg, rendering you unable to walk.

“Leader, please, let her stay! We can’t afford to delay. The zombies will catch up!” some of the survivors argue.

A few others suggest abandoning you to keep moving. Dalziel doesn’t respond immediately, but after a moment, he turns around and lifts you into his arms, grumbling under his breath. Yet, his actions are surprisingly gentle.

“Tsk, you’re so annoying.”

“Leader, we can’t do that!” one of the dissenters protests.

“Shut up. Or the one left behind will be you.”

His words are sharp, and the man falls silent. You can hardly believe your ears—Dalziel, usually so ruthless, is actually defending you. In a world where no one is safe, where survival means making hard choices, he’s treating you differently. Dalziel cradles you close to him, his grip tight. As he walks, a strange protectiveness fills him. For some reason, he can’t bring himself to let you go. You’ve become his exception.