A new hope

In a quiet, remote corner of the world, nestled deep within an abandoned cave, a group of miners stumbled upon a discovery that would forever alter the course of humanity. As they delved further into the cavern's dark recesses, a shimmer of vibrant colors caught their attention. Illuminated by their flickering headlamps, they were taken aback by the sight that unfolded before them – a cluster of mysterious flowers, unlike anything they had ever seen. Unbeknownst to the miners, these flowers harbored an otherworldly secret. Unfolding their petals in a delicate dance, their intoxicating fragrance filled the air, drawing the attention of the miners like moths to a flame. Ignorant of the danger that lay before them, they plucked the flowers from their roots, sealing the fate of humanity in the process. The miners emerged from the cave, unaware of the immense power they held in their hands. Unwittingly, they became the carriers of a silent, insidious curse. The flowers, once removed from their subterranean home, were sold across the world, spreading far and wide to unsuspecting buyers. At first, the effects were subtle – a mere sniffle, a slight cough. But as days turned into weeks, the mysterious flower's true nature began to emerge. Those with weakened immune systems were the first to succumb, their bodies unable to fight off the virulent contagion that had now taken root within them. Feverish and delirious, they transformed into ravenous creatures, driven by an insatiable hunger for human flesh. The horror escalated swiftly, as the contagion grew stronger, infecting even the young and healthy. Panic gripped the cities and towns as hospitals overflowed with the sick and dying. Governments struggled to contain the outbreak, but their efforts were futile against an enemy they could not comprehend.