The growl rumbled through the thick concrete walls, vibrating in Zara's chest like a living, breathing thing. It was deep and guttural, almost too big to belong to any of the creatures they had encountered before.
A man near the back let out a strangled, "Oh, God," as the dragging sound came again, slower this time, like claws raking against steel.
"Stay quiet," one of the soldiers ordered, his grip tightening on his rifle.
"We need to barricade it!" someone whispered harshly.
"There's nothing to barricade it with!" another voice snapped.
A woman whimpered, clutching her child tighter. Someone else whispered a frantic prayer under their breath.
Zara's pulse pounded against her skull. Why couldn't they catch a fucking break and just breathe for a few seconds? Why did shit have to keep happening?
The soldiers were already moving—tightening their grips on their weapons, shifting into defensive positions near the only entrance.
The safe room wasn't safe anymore.
