Prologue
Run.
It was the only option as the group of men scattered through the woods. The leader of the group turned in fear and saw the dark shadows following them swiftly, gaining enough momentum and speed to catch up to them. It was then that the man realized that they wouldn’t be able to outrun them in time. Their human legs were nothing compared to the shadows’ supernatural abilities. His men were already exhausted and the warehouse was another mile away. Even if they were to make it, they would endanger the people in their safe haven. Women and children would be imprisoned, and he didn’t want their blood on his hands. The man turned around and faced one of his closest friends
“Joseph, we aren’t going to make it... but we can see if we can hold them off.”
Joseph looked at his leader with grief, knowing he was right. “How we do about that, George?” Joseph panted as they watched one of the men stumble and land harshly on the ground.The pair stopped to help the boy as they watched the others continue running. George quickly examined the groaning boy and found that his ankle was severely twisted.
“He’s not going anywhere,”Joseph growled as he wrapped the boy’s arm around his shoulder and helped him stand. “He needs a medic.”
George looked at the shadows following them and nodded his head.
“Take him back to the base and contact Eric. Tell him our meeting has been canceled.”
Joseph knew his friend’s intentions and shook his head roughly.
“They will kill you-”
“No, they won’t. They want me. They need information and will throw me into one of the prisons. I’ll be fine, Joseph,” George said firmly. “You don’t have much time, go!”
Before Joseph could argue, George ran straight for the shadows.
“NO!” Joseph shouted as the shadows screamed with glee, the roar indicating victory for capturing their prey. The men covered their ears, the screeches echoing in their ears. The screams eventually stopped and Joseph opened his eyes. George and the shadows had vanished.
Joseph and the boy panted, shocked by the events they witnessed.
“What are we going to do now?”The boy questioned with fear, as he should be. Joseph stared at the place his dear friend was momentsago.
This war was taking a dark turn, and not for the better. Vlad Salem had now captured one of the head rebel leaders.
The rebellion was already weak. Every day, more and more of their men would get captured by Vlad’s forces and casualties were increasing. They already lost a group of soldiers in a battle months ago. Joseph eyes stung at the thought.
Those people weren’t soldiers. They were friends, family. Not only did Joseph lose his family, but the person who held the key to winning this war was dead. The girl prophesized to end the violence and bring peace was gone.
The people’s last hope was gone.
His last hope was gone.
Everything spiraled after the Chosen’s memorial. People went into hiding, effort seemed to be futile, and defeat and fear filled the people’s hearts. George tried his best to keep their small group together, believing that Fate had something in store for them. But it seemed hopeless.
Now George was gone. Without George, their branch in the rebellion would wither out indefinitely.
Joseph squared his shoulders up in determination. Damn it to hell if he would let that happen. This was more personal now. This was for George.
Joseph looked down at the wounded boy.
“We need to make a phone call.”
