Prologue
20 Years Ago
“Hush now child,”
Moon light illuminates the pale skin of an infant wrapped snugly in a black blanket, encompassed in a halo of vibrant red. A cold wind entangles itself in the red locks and sweeps them away from the newborn’s face. Iridescent green eyes search for their mother’s face amidst the dancing flames.
“You will usher in the end of times or a new beginning, but first you must live to see that day.”
Around them the edge of the forest is teeming with unseen life. The sound of a twig snapping causes the red-haired woman to crouch low and scan the area silently. Her head swings to the left staring aimlessly over her shoulder as she tenses.
“We had a deal, don’t make me hurt you-”
A man encased in all black steps ominously out of the tree line and into view. “I came only to say goodbye.” His voice travels the distance between them with ease; the sound draws a shiver from the woman.
She straightens slightly, pulling the infant tight across her chest. “You’ve said your goodbyes, now go.” Her voice falters slightly but she remains unmoved.
“As you wish, Cate.” Just as quickly as he came; he disappears into the shadows behind him.
An audible sigh can be heard from Cate once he’s out of sight. Lessening the grip on the child, Cate continues to trek through the forest line, maintaining speed. The journey is silent save for her breathing, which comes out in clouds of white fog.
Wildlife around them bustles with urgency, not phased by their hurried movements. The sound of crickets melodically fills the air around them. While early autumn hues of reds, browns, and yellows, sway to silent music. Fireflies and moonlight the only source of light on their journey.
Finally, a clearing is reached overlooking an expanse of houses unaware of the catastrophic events yet to unfold. Cate takes this time to sit on the dew ridden grass, with the baby cradled safely in one arm. Reaching into her jacket pocket her hand emerges clutching a shimmering white gold chain. She meticulously places the chain over the baby’s head determined not to wake her. She positions it atop the blanket, exposing a white oval the size of a quarter.
The baby begins to stir, tired green eyes searching Cate’s. She reluctantly traces the side of the infant’s face with her hand as a tear falls onto the necklace. Composing herself she stands, still staring at the child before her. With a sad smile she begins the hike down the hill, toward the houses. Her feet lead her to the porch of an expansive log building, the area dimly lit by a small light on the ceiling.
The sun starts to rise in the distance casting reddish orange hues over the trees. With one last reassuring smile Cate silently ascends the stairs to the front door. She kisses the infant’s forehead and places her on the mat outside the door. With one last glance she rings the doorbell and makes her way down the steps and away from the house.
She’s shrouded by the trees at the edge of the forest before the owners open the door. Unable to will her feet to take her far from this place, she watches as they open the door and hastily pick up the child. They scan the area looking for any sign of her mother while the woman cradles her in her arms. The man steps off the porch to search one last time before following the woman inside.
Cate is gone by the time the door closes behind them.
