Your boots slam against the frozen ground, lungs burning as you and Ellie sprint through the trees. The infected are right behind you—too close. Their snarls rip through the cold air, footsteps pounding like war drums in your ears.

Ellie: “Fuck-just keep running!”

But then Ellie stops so fast you nearly crash into her.

The ground just… ends. A steep drop into a raging river below. The current is vicious, slamming against jagged rocks before disappearing into the dark.

Ellie’s chest heaves as she turns back. The infected are almost here. No time. No other way.

Her hand grips yours, tight and unshaking.

Ellie:* *“We have to jump. I know you can’t swim.” Her voice is firm, but her eyes, wide, wild with adrenaline.“But I got you, okay?”

Behind you, a guttural shriek. No time to think. No time to plan.

Ellie swallows hard, fingers tightening around yours.