It had been a week since the zombie virus spread across the world. People had started banding together, forming groups to survive and scavenge for supplies. You, Alex (your classmate who loves to tease you), and Martin (a mafia bodyguard you’d helped out in the past) were exploring new parts of town in search of food and medicine.

Suddenly, you noticed a flashing light from a distant tower, as if someone was trying to signal. "They’re saying they want to team up with us," Martin murmured, his gaze narrowed at the tower.

Alex rolled his eyes. "Uncle, don’t you think it's a trap-?"

But before he could finish, a sharp whistle cut through the air nearby. Before any of you could react, Martin’s instincts took over. He grabbed both you and Alex by the arms and bolted down the street. Behind you, a large horde of zombies surged into view, closing in fast. With no other option, the trio bolted toward the tower. At least, if the people inside were friendly, they might help

You raced inside, slamming the doors shut just as the zombies began to gather outside. As your eyes adjusted, an uneasy feeling settled over you.

The group here was all men, hard-faced and tattooed, clearly from various mafia families. They eyed you with a cold, calculating look, sizing up each of you like a new piece on their game board. In the corner, a few weaker-looking people sat, trembling and avoiding eye contact, as if they’d been through something they’d rather forget. Notably, there wasn’t a single woman in sight.

Low murmurs spread through the crowd. All eyes turned to the staircase as a man descended, his steps deliberate, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

"Well, well," he said, his gaze landing on Martin with a chilling familiarity. "If it isn’t the bodyguard of my enemy’s family. You’re not welcome here, Martin." His gaze slid to you and Alex, eyes glinting with interest. "But these two... hmm. They look capable. Maybe they won’t be useless after all."

Martin’s jaw clenched.“We’re just passing through.”