18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 104

Having successfully evaded the soldier, Jasper provided Stella with a moment to catch her breath. Running in the biting cold, it felt like their lungs would burst.

After leaving Unity Village behind, they used the cover of night to return to Sunrise Sanctuary.

The night was as dark as ink, and danger lurked everywhere. They encountered several groups of robbers along the way. Stella, too tired to even speak, simply brandished her samurai sword.

"Sorry for bothering you guys." Recognizing the pair as formidable opponents, the robbers wisely stepped aside.

Just as they reached the entrance of their apartment complex, a figure rushed forward. "Stella?"

It was Angela's voice, accompanied by a visibly anxious Lukas. "Why are you guys just getting back?"

Relieved to see them both in one piece, Lukas sighed in relief. "We were waiting for you at Unity Village, but the military has it under lockdown. They have detained hundreds of people, and they couldn't fit them all in a dozen vans."

It was not safe to talk outside, so they decided to continue the conversation indoors.

Back at their 18th-floor apartment, Stella, sipping hot water, explained, "We sneaked in, but we ran into military law enforcement. We had to find a place to hide to avoid being mistaken for looters. We didn't manage to slip away until nightfall."

They both remained silent about the bikini party. That was one memory they'd rather forget.

Cody pondered, "So, we lucked out this time, stumbling upon a joint operation by three departments to round up The Chaos?"

Stella nodded. "Yes, we sure had a lucky escape."

Lukas was overjoyed. "That's great. Those guys are finally out of the picture."

With The Chaos out of the way, the 18th floor of Sunrise Sanctuary was now invincible. It was unlikely anyone would dare to challenge their authority any time soon.

The day's events had been nerve-wracking. They each retreated to their rooms for some well-deserved rest.

As they left 1803, Stella whispered, "Should I give you the stuff now?"

"No rush, leave it with you for now."

Stella was taken aback. "Are you sure?"

This was a life-saving weapon, worth more than any amount of supplies. Was he out of his mind?

"It isn't safe with me." Jasper was nonchalant. "You keep it for me."

She stared at him in disbelief. Wasn't he afraid she'd keep it for herself?

His hawk-like eyes seemed to see right through her. Jasper, who was always so stern, suddenly chuckled. "Would you?"

Blinded by his smile, Stella replied, "No." She didn't have a death wish.

"There you go." Jasper breezily opened the door.

Stella was a little annoyed. "I'm charging a storage fee."

"Sure."

As she entered her apartment, Stella felt a sudden sense of disorientation. Jasper was becoming more and more inscrutable.

Cooper rushed forward, whimpering and pawing at her.

"Hey, did someone upset my little darling?" Cooper was not to be trifled with. Stella quickly apologized and offered him a piece of crispy fried fish. "Cooper is the best. Not only do you earn your keep, but you also protect the house."

After pacifying Cooper, she turned on the heater and took a relaxing hot bath.

With the weapon in their possession, they could finally rest easy. Stella was determined to lay low and fatten up for winter.