Nightfall was another surprise for me.

We were all still out when the sun set behind the forest and for a slight moment, I had been worried. It was only natural of course; as a human, being caught outside in the dark would end up with your swift end by the hands of the Infected.

Nighttime meant impenetrable darkness and discomfort, becoming as vulnerable as a newborn babe left in the open. Humans needed light to survive but using light in the darkness of our new world meant certain death, as the infected were pulled to it like a moth attracted to an open flame.

The rest of the Hive noticed my discomfort and huddled closer, small huffs and growls rumbling through the air in a reassuring way.

As the sun sank behind the forest, it seemed as if it had set the world ablaze in a brilliant light, making me blink and expect total darkness afterwards.

Instead, I was greeted to a world enveloped in soothing colors and a dim light. Everything was still crystal clear as before in the daylight, but without the sensation of standing in a too brightly lit room.

This light, was just right.

I blinked, letting my eyes wander around the sleeping world, looking up to spy billions of stars that painted the night sky. They flickered in different colors, forming patterns my human eyes wouldn't have been able to see.

In fact, I watched in silent awe as I saw tendrils of puffy smoke circle between the stars, a vague sign of our Milky Way's presence.

"Brilliant, isn't it?"

Jeremy huffed, nuzzling the side of my head as he stood behind me, looking up at the sky as well. The stars reflected in his gaze before he glanced down and chuckled slightly. Wyatt was dancing through the field, the grass nearly as tall as the boy. It was amusing to see him jump around, popping over the grass before crowing with laughter when one of the Hive playfully spooked him.

A warm feeling of happiness burned sweetly in my chest as I watched the hive spread out and socialize. Some played along with Wyatt, others flopped down in the grass for partial privacy. I blinked as I felt rather than heard two individuals approaching.

The young female I had saved was nearly dancing as she bounced on the tip of her toes, her young mate walking behind with a soothing rumble in his throat. He paused when he was nearby, the link flooding with gratitude as he looked at me.

"Thank you, Queen. For saving my heart when I could not." He huffed as he pulled the woman closer to him. I smiled hesitantly, unsure if I would've attempted to save her from those two Beasts if I had known she was infected.

Perhaps, even then...

I knew I wouldn't have been able to leave the girl to her gruesome fate, even if she was an infected. As it was, I had responded by instinct and I didn't regret it at all.

The infected boy seemed to have picked up on my inner turmoil and smiled with understanding. The bond flushed with reassurance and gratitude as the pair lowered their heads respectfully and walked on.

As I looked around, I wondered what Eric would think of all this. Most likely he'd attempt to capture the Hive in an attempt to cure them. But as I looked around, I didn't see anything that needed to be cured.

We were humanoid, but no longer humans. These infected had adapted and overcome the threat and managed to survive where millions did not.

It saddened me to realize that not now, but in the next months, hopefully years, Eric and his colony would join those millions. If not by the infected escaping their holding cells from inside the compound, then the rogue humans that would bombard their compound until there was nothing left but mangled corpses scattered between debris.

A shiver ran over my spine at the thought but I pushed it away, sensing that the Hive was getting troubled, picking up on my inner turmoil.

Even if they never met Eric before and had no bond with the man, they were saddened because they knew his death would hurt me. I would feel devastated knowing their compound was lost, just as I felt heartbroken and trapped when the radio broadcast of Fort Ripley's demise echoed through my room.

I had picked solitude over companionship, because I knew that in this world, it would only break my heart, strength and composure if I had loved ones near me.

And now I realized that I was wrong, as the Hive kept my emotions in check. They sensed when I was getting overstimulated and reacted by redirecting the flow of emotions towards them. They took the brunt of the pain, making me realize that I was indeed stronger when in a group.

Hurting me meant hurting them, hurting us.

My eyes flitted back towards the young couple and Jeremy noticed, nodding his head slightly.

"Everything we once were...now we're more. We see more, hear more...feel more. When we fall in love, its for life. Whatever it is that we've become, it isn't all so bad." Jeremy's lip curled in a sexy little smirk as he glanced at me, eyes intense as he huffed.

"We don't just fall in love, we live for our lovers. Elijah has killed for Shireen before and he will kill again if he needs to." He motioned with his chin towards the young couple, affection in his eyes as we watched Elijah, stern and quiet, yet smiling warmly as Shireen danced with every step she took, voice carrying over as it blended with his content growls, weaving into an intricate song of joy and delight.

Her laughter chimed like crystal through the air, brilliant and sharp as happiness flooded the link. I smiled unconsciously, shaking my head as I realized that even with Elijah's withdrawn nature, he would move heaven and earth to give Shireen everything she wanted and needed.

My stomach chose to interrupt by growling obnoxiously, gaining attention of a few Hive members as they looked up questioningly. I flushed and tucked my chin against my chest while Jeremy huffed with amusement and pulled me closer against him.

What do we even eat?

I flinched at the thought of what could possibly be on the menu... if we are like any of the other infected, that would mean humans and any kinds of flesh, be it from a fresh kill or already putrid and rotten.

Jeremy snorted at that, chest rumbling with what I assumed was laughter. "We're nothing like the Others. We're not mindless killers, nor do we feast on human flesh. We simply eat what we did before; meat, vegetables, fruit, though our main food source is indeed from the wildlife around us."

I nodded before gulping, realizing that each time I had been out on a hunt, I could've easily bumped into one of the Hive before now. If they had felt threatened, they could've quite possibly killed me...

A low growl resounded through Jeremy's chest at the thought before he gently nudged me forwards. "Let's not dwell on what could've happened... You're here and alive, with us... with me." Jeremy's eyes were intense as he leaned over, nose pressing against the bitemark on my shoulder before inhaling deeply.

I shivered, not at all unpleasantly, before shyly taking a step back and averted my eyes. My stomach growled once more and this time the entire Hive flushed with amusement before excitement pumped through my body.

Everyone started pushing to their feet, small yips and yelps sounding before Jeremy let out a resounding roar, making me squeak in surprise.

And this time I squeaked louder, as very faintly into the night, I heard a different roar bounce off of the mountain in reply. Jeremy nudged my side, pressing his lips against my temple.

"Call, my love. Announce your presence to the world and gather the Hive for the hunt. Let the others out there know that we are strong and thriving, that we have claimed this territory as ours."

I huffed slightly, clearing my throat. The sound I produced could hardly be defined as a roar, as it was higher pitched than Jeremy's and had an odd echo to it, but surprisingly, the Hive instantly pushed up and gathered closer, joining in with their own unique calls.

The night was quiet for a moment, before we all heard multiple roars return, joyful and announcing their presence, though none had the echo like my call did.

A proud huff escaped Jeremy before I was tucked into the woods. "Of course not. You are Queen; unique in every single way. The other hives out there are not a part of us and do not have a Queen of their own. Some might be tempted to join our Hive to survive and find mates."

I nodded, head still spinning from all this new information but the link flooded with reassurance and patience. They would all be willing to teach me their ways, as I was a newly Infected and their Queen to boot.

The forest was quiet as we darted through it, the moon illuminating it and giving the tranquil forest a haunting quality. I followed in Jeremy's footsteps, keeping eyes and ears open for any changes out there.

The Hive worked as a unified group, some individuals staying near me as others darted off into the woods, spooking Beasts and Walkers alike. Any threat that came too close was dealt with or chased off and I rose my eyebrows as I caught sight of several infected Wolves whimpering and fleeing from a snarling Elijah while Shireen shook her head with an amused frown on her pretty little face.

I paused as I spotted a wild apple tree in the distance, the red and green fruits gleaming in the mist filled forest. Jeremy caught my interest before I moved and changed course as I darted for the tree and leaped, letting out an excited laugh as I snagged the ripe fruit with ease.

It crunched delicately under my teeth, sweet juices trickling from my lips while some of the Hive followed my example, jumping up to snag a low-hanging fruit or leapt from branch to branch to reach the higher fruits.

Jeremy shook his head with an indulging smile and ruffled my hair before tilting his head at commotion further in the woods. The sound of thundering hooves was fast approaching and within seconds, others from the Hive leaped down from the tree to join in on the small group that were chasing deer.

The group killed a large buck and a doe with ease, the animals' deaths swift and almost instantaneously before they gutted the creature, letting the blood and guts spill over the forest floor.

"Well, looks like meat is on the menu as well." I smiled, though feeling hesitant to bite into the raw meat like some of the Hive were doing.

Jeremy just chuffed as he approached the kill, where the others instantly made room for us both to join in. "Try not to think of it as your former self. Close your eyes and take a bite... Trust me."

I frowned but did as I was told, closing my eyes as Jeremy tore off a piece of flesh and nudged it against my lip. It was still warm and while my mind made me want to squirm away at the thought, I let instincts take over and bit into the flesh.

What I expected was to squirm and gag before having to spit the raw flesh out of my mouth, probably whilst trying to fight against a wave of upcoming nausea. Instead, it tasted just like it would when it was cooked.

It was absolutely delicious.

Jeremy barked out a laugh as I dropped the apple on the floor, its sweetness paled compared to the sweet and savory flavor of the venison in my mouth. The Hive chuckled and glowed with amusement and pride before we fed in silence.

When I had gorged myself on the food, I found myself yawning and shaking my head to fight off the sleep. It was useless and soon I found myself leaning heavily against Jeremy's wide chest, his warmth and soothing sent along with his steady breaths lulling me to sleep.

I felt safe and secure even while falling asleep in the middle of the woods, knowing that the Hive would protect me and keep me safe. The last thing I was vaguely aware off, was Jeremy rearranging my limp body so I laid against his chest, face tucked against his warm throat and body cradled in his arms.

And then I was out like a light.