It is good to return to work, despite Asher and Val’s opinions. I couldn’t take another day of doing nothing. The social with Asher went as expected: games, plenty of food, and high spirits. No one dwelled on the upcoming Barrier Island landing or what might await us there. The activities were just what I needed to end my recovery.

Asher hands me my water bottle and kisses my cheek. “Are you sure I can’t talk you into spending the rest of today watching movies with me?”

I shake my head. “Nope. Besides, your dad would kill you if you took the day off, especially so close to a mission.”

Asher grabs a towel off a nearby rack and dabs the sweat from his neck. “What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”

“I am glad to be back, but I’m also worried about it.” I pat my face; the cool fabric is a refreshing relief.

Asher loops an arm around my waist, pulling me to him. “You’re doing great, Izzy. You’re training like you didn’t have a near-death experience.”

I quirk a brow at him, resting my hands on his chest. “You are trying to make me feel better.”

He grins. “Is it working?”

“A little,” I fight a smile.

“Ugh, get a room,” Val saunters in. She winks at me as she heads for the treadmills.

Asher smirks. “Technically, this is one.”

She rolls her eyes, flipping him off.

I bite my bottom lip, nerves fluttering in my stomach. I don’t feel prepared for this assignment. This mission is bigger than the last. We must enter a high-risk laboratory that could house the virus that started this mess, not to mention the traps the government might have placed around the facility to keep outsiders like ourselves away. My recovery took too long, and fears linger, taunting every move on the mat. “What if I am not ready for tomorrow?” I voice my worry out loud.

Asher frowns, understanding in his eyes. “You could stay here. With your return after healing from the last mission, I doubt my parents would see a problem with it. The team can handle it too.”

I groan, conflicted. “I can’t let anyone down.”

Asher’s features soften, and he presses a soft kiss to my lips. “You won’t, baby. This is what we all train for.”

I inhale a breath and sigh, knowing what comes next. “Well, let’s do this thing.”

Asher grins mischievously.

***

“Have the others shown acknowledgement of the drooler’s passing?” Jamie levels her question at Helen, a pen pressed into the notepad in front of her. She’s focused, taking her new role as Helen’s assistant seriously.

Helen drums her fingernails on the table. “Only the Raver. He’s incredibly smart, always on alert. I’ve noticed he doesn’t need sleep like the rest of them. In the days preceding its demise, he would eye the drooler’s cage almost quizzically. It was quite remarkable to witness.”

I sit against the wall; the space offering a small slice of peace. Staring at the remaining three zombies in silence, my mind wanders to the upcoming mission. The possibility of facing these creatures in the unknown sends a shiver down my spine. I glance at the Raver, and my blood runs cold. He lurks in the darkest corner of his prison, staring through the two-way mirror, an almost grin tugging at his lips. I hope I never have to see another of his kind for the rest of my life.

Asher steadies my shaking leg and quirks a brow in question.

I gulp, shrugging my shoulders. Reminding myself that I can do this, I offer him my best smile.

He nods as if reading my mind. Turning to his mother, he asks, “Have you done the autopsy yet?”

“I have. Nothing to tell. We’re still analyzing the data. I’ve found some anomalies, just need to figure out what they mean.” Helen stands, stifling a yawn. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go finish up a few things.”

We all stand as well, following her out the door. I say goodbye to Jamie as Asher waves to his mom before we head to the elevator. “I’m ready for some answers.”

“Me too.” Asher laces his fingers with mine and squeezes.

The lift dings, and we step inside the small space. It’s quiet, save for the soft hum of the motor carrying the car up into the heart of the ship. We land on B Deck, and Asher pulls me along to the library. “Time for class.”

The course consists of our team members reviewing the same things before every expedition: safety, emergency plans, and basic zombie information in case of an attack. We have it all memorized, but it’s mandatory.

Halfway through, the PA system crackles to life, interrupting this lesson’s instructor. “Good afternoon, folks. We have reached Barrier Island. Teams should meet in Common Five for further instructions. Thank you.”

Editor: Lucy Cafiero