Page 49 of Marc

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“Let her go.” I wrapped an arm around Colbie’s waist.

Black fluid sprayed from the man’s mouth, hitting Colbie’s arms and the side of her face.

She opened her mouth to scream.

I pulled her back, slamming my palm over her mouth to muffle the sound. The man didn’t release her, and I kicked him in the chest. He fell back, snarling and snapping his teeth at us.

I kicked him away.

He fell flat on his back and let out a low sound. He looked like he was ready to launch himself at us.

Then he froze, made another horrible sound, and collapsed.

He started convulsing.

Colbie pushed my hand away from her face, her eyes swimming in horror, fear, and sorrow.

“H-help—” the young man’s voice cut off as he slumped. The life drained from his eyes.

“No,” Colbie breathed.

I’d had enough. “We need to go. Now.”

She was still just staring at the man.

“Colbie.”

She turned her head and I saw her cheek. It was red and raw.

“Shit. Your face.”

A grimace twisted her features. “God, it burns.” She lifted her arm. The skin there was burning and blistering.

I gripped the bottom of my T-shirt and tore a strip off. Then I swiped the black gunk off her face and arm.

She let out a pained moan.

“Colbie—”

“I’m okay. It stings, but we need to get out of here.”

I nodded, but I hated seeing the pain on her face. I’d had enough. I was getting her out of here.

I lifted her and tossed her over my shoulder. I marched across the room, dodging the fucking cocoons.

At the door, she tapped my back. “I can walk. You need to focus.”

I set her down. Her cheek was bright red, the rest of her face was pale, but she was steady.

“Stay close to me.”

She nodded, so much sorrow on her face.

I gave her a quick kiss, then we exited the dining room. We navigated the corridors, listening for monsters. Fortunately, we only had to hide behind some rubble once when a canine monster passed by.

Finally, a cool breeze filled the air, and the end of the corridor brightened with natural light. We turned a corner…

We’d reached the part of the base that had suffered heavy bombing.

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