The three cats had slept through all the commotion, not waking once. Lately, it seemed they were sleeping even more than usual…

The apartment was packed floor to ceiling with supplies. I was drenched in sweat, nearly collapsing from exhaustion.

But there was no time to rest. I bought steel plates from the hardware market and reinforced every door and window—anything to buy a few extra minutes if the zombies arrived.

Exhausted, I collapsed to the floor, ready to close my eyes for just a moment.

Then came the unmistakable sound of a lock turning.

The landlord had barged in—with a group of people in tow.

"Everything stays! Get out! I'm taking back the apartment!"

…

"What gives?"

My heart lurched as I glared at him, anger boiling.

The landlord's arrogance was unbearable. He brandished a wooden stick like a weapon.

"This apartment is mine. I can do whatever I want."

I was pinned to the floor by his men, unable to move.

Helplessly, I watched my supplies being carted off while a custom fish tank was assembled in the apartment.

The landlord had somehow brought several crocodiles. Their jaws were bound with wire, but sharp teeth gleamed ominously whenever they yawned.

Grinning proudly, he grabbed the sleeping Snowy from the floor.

He swung the tiny cat by its tail, laughing maniacally.

"Ha! You really think this little kitten can protect you? Two ounces of fur and meat! Not enough to even stuff my crocodile's teeth."

Snowy, usually ferocious, was utterly limp in the landlord's hands. Even Leo and Luna—usually so protective—showed no hint of vigilance, heads drooped in deep sleep.

The landlord was about to toss the cat into the fish tank.

"NO!" I screamed, heart hammering. "I'm taking them with me. Don't hurt them!"

Finally, he flung Snowy into my arms.

"You've got some sense. Get out of here—and stay far away. Come back, and I'll feed you to the crocodiles!"

With less than an hour to the apocalypse, my three cats and I were ejected from our fully prepared home into the street.

This was it. Our lives were truly over.

I held one in my arms, strapped two to my back, and slunk along the streets, hiding wherever I could.

Turning a corner, I ran into two people. Looking up, I saw my best friend, Vicky Ashford, and Dominic.

They were arm in arm, walking three Tibetan mastiffs like nothing had happened.

"Well, well, if it isn't Scarlett," Vicky mocked. "Still haven't forgotten your little cat overlords, even now?"

I couldn't hear her taunts. My eyes were locked on their intertwined hands.

"We broke up just a few hours ago. How are you with her?"

Dominic dropped the act, revealing his true self.

"Scarlett, you really thought I liked some skinny, broke loser like you? Truth is, Vicky and I have been together for a while.

"I planned to trick you into raising strong pets so we could toss you to the zombies and have nine guardians ourselves.

"But you… you were stupid enough to cling to those dead cats."

Vicky giggled, swaying Dominic's arm.

"Honey, why bother? Now, we've got Tibetan mastiffs and a lion. Who cares if she dies? Might as well let our little ones have a snack now."

Her words made me freeze. Was I going to be eaten by the mastiffs even before the zombies arrived? Their teeth looked terrifyingly sharp.

The mastiffs, apparently understanding their owners, lunged at me, barking furiously.

Vicky clapped and laughed. "Yes, my babies! That's right! Tear that wretch apart!"

The mastiffs opened their jaws wide. A wave of fear and the stench of blood hit me. My legs felt nailed to the ground. I had nowhere to retreat.

I closed my eyes, bracing for the worst.

Then, just in that moment, my cats woke up.