The moment Samantha and John crossed beyond the city's outer roads, Francis watched them go.
In a way, she was the closest thing he had to a daughter in this world, which was likely why he protected her. Her inheriting his power also meant that part of his own DNA was inside her.
Of course, he would not admit this openly, nor was he truly conscious of his decision.
Francis turned his attention back to the city.
The second phase was already in motion.
In a collapsed grocery store in the southern district, a man who had died minutes earlier began to move.
A black strand pushed out and touched the body beside him.
Her fingers twitched.
Within seconds, both were part of the same structure. Within minutes, the building followed.
Walls cracked as tendrils forced through concrete. Floors sank. What had been shelter became a growing mass feeding on what remained.
This was only one site among thousands.
Across the city, the same transformation continued without pause.
