It very quickly became apparent the soldiers were clearing out the buildings on the street two by two.

Sooner or later, they were going to reach their hostel.

That meant there was only one option.

They had to flee.

It felt odd. Part of her had become used to living like this. Lily's death was a gutpunch: Lauren felt like she'd lost a best friend.

It hurt more than not knowing what happened to the schoolmates she'd known for years.

Part of her said that was because they were human and being cared for, not being hunted down like animals.

They were halfway out to the trucks when the bullets started flying.

The world seemed to slow down. Lauren threw up a shield in front of those nearest to her, screaming for them to get the rest of the way.

On the other side of the yard Chance was attacking three of the soldiers with his burning whip.

Everything went too fast.

There was a crack, an explosion of blood, Chance stumbled backwards, and then oh-so-slowly crumpled to the ground. Adam's screams filled the air as Frank tried to drag him into the truck.

Andy grabbed her arm. "Come on!"

For a moment it occurred to her that they could try what they did before, use that glowing power and eliminate these soldiers, the monsters trying to kill them.

And then there was nothing but burning pain.