The Downfall of Man

by J J Marshall

  ******

  Epilogue

  Hanna

  She tried to remain silent, but when the lightning struck Orian’s chest, pain erupted into her own. Screams erupted from Hanna as she watched her guardian fall backwards. The three figures froze, turning their gaze up to the one that hit Orian.

  “Leave her. We have what we came for. Move out,” he ordered before turning on his heel and leaving. Darkness clouded her vision as Hanna tried to push to her feet, watching as the three dragged Orian’s limp body behind them. She had to get him. Hanna tried to push to her feet, but her body refused to move. A low, barely audible groan escaped Orian’s parted lips as blood trickled from his mouth.

  He’s not dead! He’s not dead! Hanna caught the words in her mouth as pain seared in her chest and temples. Tears streamed down her cheeks, dripping salty drops into her mouth.

  “I will get you,” she vowed. “I will rise up and fight for you,” she said as darkness took over.

  *

  There was no pain for Hanna as her eyes fluttered, no memory of her injury as she pushed up into a sitting position. Orian had been gone nearly a week and all she could do was sleep. Construction to the mansion had gone quickly and the dead had been given proper burials. But today would be a better day. Today she vowed to rise up. She pushed to her feet, wearing nothing but a thin gown, and walked over to the large monitor hidden in the wall. Tapping three buttons on the screen, Chancellor Vanderwall came into view.

  “Hanna?” she asked, her rasped voice cutting in and out. Tears stained her porcelain cheeks as pink poked at her dark red-rimmed eyes. Hanna was numb. She opened her mouth to speak but found herself unable. Her fingers tingled as white lightning burst from her tips.

  “Chancellor,” she croaked out. Hanna cleared her throat before continuing, “Use me as your weapon. I’ll help save mankind. Take my blood. Take whatever you need from me so that we can cure my race. Together we will fight, for ourselves, our home, our families, and our planet. And in return, I’ll help look for your son.”

  To be continued.