Chapter 2

2

The rescue helicopter didn't wait. It closed its doors and lifted off, leaving us stranded on the pad.

My team members started swearing at the top of their lungs.

"Lila Miller, you're a freaking lunatic! You just killed us all!"

"And you! You pathetic loser! Why the hell did you go back for a guitar the night before evacuation? Who are you playing for? The Grim Reaper?!"

The helipad was filled with rage. Lane turned pale, trembling.

"I... I'm sorry. This guitar is my most prized possession. I didn't think it would hold everyone up..."

He saw the murderous looks around him and scrambled behind Lila's back.

The team members were now looking at me with resentment in their eyes.

"Cade, you've led us through hell and back before. We trusted you. How could you be this stupid?"

I put on a guilty face and patted their shoulders.

"It's my fault. I let my emotions get the better of me. But talking about it now won't help."

"Don't panic yet. I know a temporary shelter nearby. We can hide there for now."

Lila hugged Lane's arm and snorted with disdain.

"Look at you cowards. We still have Cade, don't we? He's gotten us out of three swarms already. So what if we missed one flight? We'll just catch the next one."

The team was fuming, but the danger was too close to keep arguing.

Half an hour later, we made it to the shelter.

The heavy blast door slammed shut, cutting off the sound of the howling monsters outside.

"Finally safe..." Everyone collapsed onto the floor, exhausted.

Then, one teammate checked his comms and screamed. "No! I just got a message. That was the last flight. The military is abandoning this sector!"

"You mean we're stuck in this hellhole forever?!"

The team members were shaking, their faces white as ghosts.

Lila just rolled her eyes and shrugged.

"Stop being so dramatic. This place has enough food for three months. If the army doesn't come, we'll just hike out ourselves later."

I pulled out a military radio and typed in a code. "Everyone, stay calm. I've contacted the high command. They promised to send a special ops team in three days. Just rest for now."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Lila was beaming, grabbing Lane's hand. "Lane, did you hear that? We're going to be saved in three days!"

The team's expressions remained dark as they watched the two of them celebrate.

"Cade." The deputy pulled me into a corner. "Did you get enough spots for the rescue? With those two, we have eight people total."

I nodded slowly. "Yes. But I only requested seven spots."

He looked confused at first, then a realization dawned on him.

He whispered cautiously, "So... one of us has to stay behind?"

I glanced at Lila, who was busy feeding Lane some water. A cold smile touched my lips.

"Don't worry. Your spots are guaranteed. As for the extra person... we'll see what she chooses when the time comes."

We shared a knowing look. Lila, completely oblivious, was wiping sweat from Lane's forehead.

"Don't worry, Lane. I'll make sure you get to the safe zone no matter what."

I was actually looking forward to it.

When the new rescue team arrived, what would Lila do?

Would she be the loyal friend she claimed to be?

Or would she show everyone how ugly human nature can get when your life is on the line?