With every ounce of energy, I force air into my burning lungs and dodge Asher’s final blow. Falling to the floor, I gasp for breath. My muscles scream, aching from my hour-long training session.

“I can always work you harder, cupcake,” Asher taunts, an eyebrow raised.

His words ignite a flush in my cheeks. During a team-building exercise, I’d confessed my dream: opening a bakery if the world hadn’t ended. Ever since, he’s teased me about it. “I can barely keep up as it is.” I grind out, wiping sweat from my temple.

Asher chuckles, twirling his sword once and sheathing it. “You’ve improved a lot in the last two weeks.”

“Is that a compliment?” I smirk, standing to put my blade away.

Asher rolls his eyes. “Don’t let it go to your head, Izzy.”

I start my post-workout stretches and laugh. Training grows more intense each day, pushing me to my limits.

“Hey guys,” Jamie stands in the doorway. “The captain has called a meeting of the squads. Helen wanted me to come get you.”

I grab my bottle of water and follow Asher out. The halls are deserted; most of the crew and other survivors are still in bed or at their designated stations. Hope bubbles in my gut. Maybe I’ll skip seeing the Rabids today.

“You aren’t getting out of the Observatory that easily,” Asher narrows green eyes at me, as if sensing my thoughts.

I huff out a breath and mutter, “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

So much for not having to deal with Rabids. These past two weeks have been hard. My fear has eased a bit, but I still dread going down there, feeling their gaze prickle my skin. Doubt persists; I’m still not convinced the Raver can’t break free.

As we make our way to the elevator, Jamie pushes the button for B Deck. “Cap wanted to get breakfast first, so he’s having the meeting in the cafeteria.”

At the mention of food, my belly growls, and I shrug at Asher’s questioning glance. “I haven’t eaten yet.”

“You train on an empty stomach?” Asher steps into the tiny space, placing his hands on his hips.

I grimace, leaning against the back wall. “I’ve got to let my tummy wake up before feeding her.”

Asher stares at the ceiling. “Jesus Christ.”

“Iz, how far are you in In Deep Water?” Jamie asks.

Val started our three-girl book club. She thought we needed more bonding time away from zombie fighting. We meet twice a week to discuss our reading, but mostly talk about our pasts and hopes for the future. It’s been therapeutic-a reminder we’re more than survivors in a rabid-infested world. “Chapter twelve, you?”

“Chapter seventeen. I can’t seem to put it down.” Jamie grins, her words light. She adds, “I was up most of last night reading.”

I chuckle because I was up late trying to get in one more chapter. “I feel you, girl,” I say, grinning back at her.

The elevator doors open after a brief ride, and we step out into the cafeteria. Most of the squad members are already seated around Warren and Helen, with provisions in front of them. The sweet smell of waffles and bacon fills my nose, making me hungrier. “Grab some grub and join us,” one of them calls, waving.

I load my plate with pancakes, eggs, and sausage and take a seat next to Val. “Hey, man.” I smile.

She gives me a small salute and takes a bite of her bagel. From her blurry eyes, I can tell she hasn’t fully woken up yet.

Asher slides in beside me, a banana halfway to his mouth.

I frown. “That’s all you’re eating?”

He shrugs his shoulders. “I had a protein drink earlier.”

I take a mouthful of my breakfast and shake my head.

Warren clears his throat, calling our attention to him. “Good morning, everyone. Sorry for the short notice. We received a distress call late last night. It’s from a small Alabama town, a few hundred miles from our location. I’d like you to look at it. We’re already on course to make landfall in about twenty-four hours.”

“It is not clear exactly what is happening, so we want you to be vigilant. Today is about resting and preparing. You leave at first light tomorrow.” Helen offers a smile to everyone around the table.

I force myself to swallow. The food tastes like cardboard. Facing the Rabids in the field turns my stomach. Even in cages, my encounters with them have left me reeling. Warmth spreads through my chest as Helen’s eyes meet mine, and I can’t resist returning one to her.

Asher leans over to whisper in my ear. He smells of sandalwood. “We don’t have to visit the Observatory, if it makes you feel any better.”

I sigh. “No, we should go down. I’m going to need all the help I can get.”

Asher’s gaze holds my own a beat longer than normal, then he nods.

I shake myself, uncertain if my nerves are because of tomorrow’s mission or Asher’s constant nearness. Either way, the butterflies won’t quit.

Warren claps his hands. “Before we adjourn, do any of you have questions?”

Editor: Lucy Cafiero