Page 16 of Prelude to a Revolution

Worry gnaws at my gut as I recall her serious frown. She’s already felt far more grown up than she should. Now, she’ll be forced into that role. At least she has her base dynamic to help guide her. She’ll be a better mother than the High Echelon anyhow. Though I can’t stay here, I’ll still help her from the shadows, put people in her path to keep her safe.

I’ll be a phantom, a wisp of sand as it blows across the desert. In this way, I’ll give her the most protection I can - my assumed death. Until I’m far away from her, they will never be given a chance. I can only pray to the gods that their dynamic is never discovered.

Giving the house one last glance, I hug Sonria’s body tighter as I leave the higher levels and make my way out to the Dead Lands. Even if the stranger Alphas are following me, they won’t go there. No one of importance passes the barrier between the gates of Stanlion and the Dead Lands.

Only killers go there, mercenaries, those dealing in things so illicit that to get caught would mean certain death. By living, I’m the worst kind of Alpha. I’m unmated, a rogue, a piece the High Echelon Alphas can’t move around on their chessboard. In this way, the Dead Lands are the perfect refuge for someone like me.

From deep in the bowels of the rotting desert, I’ll build my army. I will take back Stanlion and return it to the city-state it once was. My heart cries out as I shuffle across the broken land. Behind me, betas follow, their hands and arms covered in blood. Mine wasn’t the only loss tonight. The High Echelon Alphas said they didn’t want a war, but with their actions tonight, they declared one.

We don’t have the numbers yet, or the firepower, but one day, one day, we will fight back. We all move as one, a silent mass of death as we climb into the aged transport rail and head out towards our new home.

The dirt is soft and hot beneath our feet, still warmed by the suns. Even though True Night is upon us, the air is stifling and thick. Soon, my respirators won’t do the trick. Ripping them out of my nose, I drop them into the sand as we make our way towards an outcropping of broken buildings, the shards of shattered glass as sharp at the ones in my heart.

Every breath hurts, and it’s not just from breathing in the air unimpeded. With each step away from Stanlion, my body grows heavy, weary. We will need to find shelter soon.

As we approach a building that doesn’t look too torn down, I lay Sonria in the dirt, her body illuminated by moons that hang above the sky. She looks so serene, so calm. In those last moments, I was there for her in a way that no one else could.

Dragging over some rotted wood, I cover her up, looking at the night sky for a moment before pulling out a knife.

“By Elex, I will have my war. By Jarosh, you will be avenged. I will not stop until I am dead, or the world is changed. That is my vow to you, my love, my mate, my son, my flesh.”

The sharp burn as the knife skims through the flesh of my palm is barely noticeable. It’s nothing compared to the clawing ache that burns my throat. I squeeze my hand, dropping blood over the wood, sealing my vow. One of the beta’s that followed me hands me a lit torch, understanding what needs to be done.

Once more, I look up at the sky, unable to bear the thought of seeing my mate in flames. I toss it down and back away, watching from a distance so I don’t have to see her face. I lost my half tonight and both of my children. Though some may think this move is pure selfishness, it’s all for them.

The government will take care of them, and Annora is bright enough to know about the pills and contacts. She’ll guide Karis. Looking up, I watch as The Purveyor walks forward, his face thrown into sharp relief by the flames. He nods once and touches the tip of his hat.

The last vestiges of fear leaks from my body. He’ll make sure they’re safe, at least for however long he can. Dropping my head into my hands, I sob, letting the pain, anger, and terror flow out of me. I have to mourn. I have to do this now. We have a revolution to plan, and I need to be at the top of my game. I can’t do this while still chained to the ghosts of my past.

Epilogue

Annora

Deathly silence fills the house as I sit in Karis’s door frame. Though I should have been asleep, I could not stay away. Visions of my parents falling under the gunfire replay in my brain every time I close my eyes. Will I ever sleep again? Unable to look outside, I go over to my bathroom and shut the door.

Whenever things were just too much, I’d run to the sanctuary of my tub. Even now, as I hear the water splashing into the steel basin, my brain slows down so that I’m able to think. Nothing will ever be the same. I’m the one in charge now. Slipping into the warm water, I let the tears escape, splashing as they fall.

Though I’m now able to hide myself as I’ve been taught, I need to teach Karis. I need to train her to mask her dynamic too. But how? She’s already so headstrong, and without Mother and Father to guide her, we will be discovered for sure.

I lay there, floating in the water as my brain goes in circles. So many things will be different. I’m no longer allowed to be the little girl going off and playing at school. The dreams I once had are no more. I have to be here for Karis. I have to be her rock, her guide.

No more school for me. If the government sends someone to watch her, then our secret will be out. I can’t let that happen. I -. My brain stops for a moment as my parents’ death replays itself in my brain. It’s branded in my mind for eternity. I’ll never forget the stillness, the look of death as it rushed over them.

Pulling myself out, I dry off and walk into the living area, aimless. Unable to help myself, I walk over to the window, needing one more look. Perhaps they were just injured. But their bodies are no longer there. Just blood in the street. They didn’t help them. No one helped my family. No one cared.

Anger seethes beneath my skin as I walk back into the living area, stopping short as a small bottle that wasn’t there earlier stands out to me. It’s more pills. Picking it up, I spot the small note underneath.

When you need more, I’m in Sector One. Ask the woman you buy food from for The Purveyor. She will get you to me.

One person cares. Grabbing the bottle and note, I hurry back to my bathroom and pull the loose tile up, stuffing everything in there with all my other treasures. At least for now, our secret will be safe.

Just as I close the tile back over, a loud scream pierces the night. Karis. Picking my way over to her, I turn on the dim light and stare at her blotchy face. She must have had another nightmare. Usually Mother is here for her, soothing her back to sleep, but now it’s my turn.

Urging her to lie back down, I reach through the bars and run my hand over her back, my mother’s song burning into my brain. Closing my eyes, I hum the slow haunting tune, but that’s not enough. Karis squirms, unable to settle.

Tears once more fill my eyes as the words come to my lips, broken, and warbled.

My love, my love, don’t cry.