With ponderous strokes, it rose into the air. Gusts of wind pummeled the ramshackle market stalls. Baskets flew, awnings came loose, and dust swirled in thick clouds, tinting the air dark yellow. Grains of sand stung exposed skin and eyes alike.
The heavier ballistae and crossbows mounted on the walls let loose. Bolts as thick as her arm slammed into the flying beast’s body. It wailed in agony as a missile crushed the fine bones of its wing and tore great rents in the delicate membrane.
The flyer slewed mid-air and crashed to the ground, plowing over stalls, carts, and tables. It raised its head and let loose an ear-splitting shriek, by no means defeated. Folding its broken wings and using them as arms, it attacked anything within reach, its enormous head reaping a harvest of corpses.
Rogue pressed shaking hands to her mouth to prevent herself from crying out at the sheer horror of it all. She watched as the monstrous bird tore apart a man of the Watch, his armor no defense against the frenzied attack. One colossal wing slammed into the ground not far from her, and the two children next to Rogue screamed. Within seconds, they were on their feet, scrambling to get away from the pterosaur’s thrashing limbs.
Rogue longed to follow but remained frozen in her corner until the same wing swept across her head, turning the table into matchsticks. She screamed and covered her head before scurrying away on her hands and knees. A glancing blow tossed her into the air, and she flew several feet before crashing into a wall.
She fell to the ground with a grunt of pain, every bone in her body protesting its abuse. Through tear-filled eyes, Rogue spotted a sheltered nook created by two adjoining walls and crawled toward it on her belly, each movement an effort of will. Her lip was split, and blood filled her mouth. It drooled from the corner of her lips to the rough stones beneath.
The nook she headed for was tiny, nothing more than a gap between two overlapping brick walls. An architectural mistake, no doubt. Yet, it was big enough to fit her body. She curled up inside with the fervent hope it would keep her safe from the rampaging creature. Without realizing it, she began praying for Moran to find her, to save her. Though not her mother by blood, the fierce woman who’d raised her and become the Rebel Faction leader was the only person she truly trusted. But Moran was nowhere to be seen. Rogue was on her own.
Even as she looked, the flyer stormed across the market square, causing mayhem and destruction until a squad of soldiers stormed in and surrounded the beast. As one, they opened fire, wasting precious ammunition in their bid to bring the creature down. Each bullet cut into the Quetzalcoatlus until it slumped to the ground in a pool of blood, its body shuddering as it took its final breath.
The remaining soldiers lowered their guns and took a step back from the corpse. The screams that had filled the square moments before faded away. They were replaced by an awful silence broken only by whimpers and sobs. People picked through the debris, looking for loved ones while others keened next to the bodies of friends and family.
***
“Eight people died that day, and many more lost their only means at a livelihood,” Rogue whispered. She dropped the sandwich in her hand, no longer hungry. “I deserved what I got. I deserved being kicked out of Prime. Only, I should’ve died. Instead, I’m sitting here eating sandwiches like nothing ever happened.”
“It wasn’t your fault,” Seth murmured.
“Of course, it’s my fault,” Rogue said, hot tears burning her eyelids.
Seth shifted closer and drew her into his arms. Surrounded by the warmth of his love, Rogue began to cry. The walls she’d built around her heart came crashing down, and raw guilt seared through her veins. “I should’ve died, Seth. My life for theirs.”
“You were starving, Rogue. How could you have known what would happen?” Seth said in a soothing voice. “You cannot take so much upon yourself. It’s an impossible burden.”
“But it’s my burden. My punishment,” Rogue said between hiccupping sobs.
“No,” Seth said, gripping her by the shoulders. “Listen to me. If anyone deserves to die, its Senator Douglas. He’s the one to blame.”
“M…maybe,” Rogue replied, wiping the tears from her eyes.
“Not maybe. It’s the truth,” Seth said, giving her a stern look. “Nobody in Prime should have to steal food. There’s enough to go around. It’s his fault, his rules, his system that causes so much suffering.”
Rogue nodded, allowing the words to sink into her brain. Seth was right. Still, it was hard to let go of the guilt. It had become a part of her. It was the reason she wanted, no needed, to go back. “I have to save Prime. I have to. Douglas is a monster.”
“I know, and I’ll be there with you,” Seth said. “Every step of the way.”
“Thank you,” Rogue said, blinking back fresh tears. But these were tears of happiness. Of joy. “That means a lot to me.”
“Now, how about that walk?” Seth asked, drawing her to her feet.
“Okay,” she said, scooping up their things. Somehow, she felt much lighter, and it was with a spring in her step that she resumed their interrupted tour.
They spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the Zoo and unearthing its many secrets. There was the hatchery with its rows of eggs sitting on hothouse shelves, and the enclosures containing herds of Zuniceratops, Stegoceras, and Parksosaurus.
She watched as young Zuni’s chased each other around the field while their mothers munched on twigs and leaves. Male Stegoceras headbutted each other for dominance, the thunderous booms causing her to jump with fright.
Rogue strolled past fields of sunflowers, flax, maize, and wheat, their leaves rippling in the breeze. Rows upon rows of vegetables fed the community’s many mouths, and fruit trees filled the orchards. Banks of herbs provided both seasoning and medicine to the community, bunches of the stuff drying on racks.
She smelled the stink of hides turning to leather and the salty tang of cured meat. A friendly woman allowed her to hold a bunny, its fur soft between her fingers. Another showed her how to create cloth from flax.
To top it all off, a foul-smelling camel spat at Seth, and a troop of monkeys bombarded them with rocks. The primates were survivors from the previous era, kept alive by the Exiles for reasons she couldn’t fathom.
By the time night fell, Rogue was exhausted. Her bruised hip ached, and she walked with a pronounced limp. When they reached her home, Seth paused to take her in his arms. After a long tender kiss, he hustled her onto the porch. “Off to bed. You look like a stiff wind could blow you over.”
Rogue stifled a yawn. “Have no fear. It’s an early night for me.”
“And have Olivia give you something for those blisters,” Seth said, indicating her hands. “I’ll oil that pump tomorrow. It shouldn’t be so hard just to get water.”
Rogue nodded, but her thoughts were already drifting toward her bed with its clean sheets and soft pillows. Too bad, he can’t join me, but one step at a time. “Goodnight, Seth.”
“Goodnight.” Seth turned to leave but paused. “By the way, when you asked me to kiss you earlier, was that a test?”
Rogue’s lips curled into a smile at the memory. “It was.”
“Did I pass?”
“With flying colors.”
Chapter 13
As Rogue walked into the house, the pungent aroma of wild garlic filled her nostrils. Olivia was in the kitchen, frying up a storm. “Hi, sweetie. How was your day?”
“It was okay,” Rogue hedged, placing her bag on the table. She wasn’t ready to talk about her and Seth yet. For now, it would remain a secret.
“Did Ric work you too hard?” Olivia said with a worried frown.
“Not really. He gave us the afternoon off, and we went exploring.”
“We?” Olivia asked. “Who’s we?”
“Seth and I. We learned a lot of interesting things today.”
“That’s great, sweetie,” Olivia said, flashing her a bright smile. “Are you two hitting it off?”
�
��Sort off. Have you seen Jamie today?” Rogue asked, deflecting her mother’s curiosity.
“I went to see her this morning. Poor thing. She’s in a lot of pain, but it looks like the Zuni’s horn missed any vital organs.”
“So, she’ll be okay?” Rogue asked, relieved beyond measure. The last thing she needed was for the Exiles to blame her for Jamie’s death as well. Besides, unlike her daughter, Jamie was a nice person. She didn’t deserve to die because her daughter was a spiteful little cow.
“Yes, she’ll be fine, though it will be a while before she’s back on her feet again,” Olivia confirmed.
“Good, I’m glad to hear that,” Rogue said, stifling another colossal yawn.
“Ric told me what happened today. I don’t know what’s come over those teens. They used to be so polite and well-spoken,” Olivia said with a shake of her head. “I’m glad he punished them.”
Rogue opened her mouth to reply, but a knock on the door interrupted her. She stood up on wobbly legs, every muscle in her body stiff and sore. “I’ll get it.”
When she opened the door, she was shocked to see David standing on the porch. “It’s okay, Mom. It’s someone for me.”
“Alright, but hurry up. Supper’s almost ready.”
Rogue stepped outside and closed the door behind her with a firm click. “What do you want? Back to gloat some more?”
David shook his head. “No, I’m here to apologize.”
“What?” Rogue asked, shocked to the core.
“Yes, I’m sorry for my part in what happened. Both today and during the hunt,” he said, his expression earnest.
“I hope this isn’t some sick joke,” Rogue said, peering over his shoulder. “If your friends are out there…”
“I swear this isn’t a joke. They don’t know I’m here,” David said. “Except Brittany. She knows.”
“Brittany?” Rogue repeated. “What does she have to do with this?”
David sighed. “It’s all a mess, isn’t it? It started out as a joke, but Sandi missed her throw. It should never have happened. All Brittany wanted was to show you up in front of the rest.”
“Why? Because I’m a Prime?” Rogue said.
“Try to understand. Brittany lost her uncle at the gates of Prime. He and Jamie were among those turned away, only he didn’t make it out alive. Jamie still grieves for him to this day.”
“I’m sorry,” Rogue said, sudden sorrow filling her heart. “Why didn’t she say something?”
“She hated you on sight, simply for being who you are. Even so, things were never meant to go so far. Now Jamie’s hurt, and everyone thinks it’s your fault.”
“So, what now?”
“We want to start over,” David said. He stuck out his hand. “I’m David Wendele, and if you’re willing, I’d like to be your friend. So does Brittany.”
Rogue studied his expression, searching for some indication that he was lying. He seemed sincere, however, and she decided to give him a chance. Taking his hand, she said, “Nice to meet you, David, and I accept both your apology and Brittany’s. But I swear, if this is some elaborate scheme, I’ll gut you like a fish. Got it?”
David grinned. “Got it. And as a peace offering, I’d like to make amends.”
“Amends? How do you propose to do that?” Rogue asked.
“By telling the truth. Brittany and I will tell Ric what really happened, and you’ll be absolved.”
“You’d do that for me? You and Brittany?” Rogue asked with hope kindling in her chest.
“We will. First thing tomorrow.”
“What about the others? Aret, Sandi, and Paul.”
David shook his head. “I can’t speak for them. They don’t feel like I do, but I’m working on it.”
“Meaning?”
“They’ll come around eventually. They’re not bad people, I swear it. Just blinded by years of hatred for everything Prime.”
“I see,” Rogue said. Damn those kids.
“Anyway, thanks for hearing me out,” David said, flashing her a smile as bright as his golden-brown eyes.
“Thanks for coming,” Rogue replied.
“Oh, and one last thing. You can forget about the council agreeing to your plan to free Prime City.”
Rogue froze. “What? Why?”
“The council consists of five members. One of them is Paul’s father. Sandi’s dad and Aret’s mom make up two more. They feel like their kids do, and they’ll never agree to help a Prime.”
Rogue swallowed on the sudden knot in her throat. “What about the other two council members?”
David shook his head. “My dad might agree if I asked him to, and so might Ric for Olivia’s sake. But they’d still be outvoted.”
“Why Olivia?” Rogue asked, but she already knew the answer. The signs were there; she just hadn’t wanted to admit it to herself.
“They’re a couple. Have been for years. I thought you knew that?” David asked.
“I didn’t, though I suspected.”
“It’s the only reason you and Seth were allowed to stay, especially after the hunt. Ric convinced the rest of the council.”
“I see. Thank you for telling me, David,” Rogue said.
“I’m sorry if I upset you,” David said, hesitating on the steps.
“It’s okay. At least I know where I stand now,” Rogue said.
She watched David disappear into the darkness before she went back inside. As she closed the door behind her, Olivia asked, “Who was that, dear?”
Rogue ignored the question. “Did you know, Mom?”
“Know what?” Olivia said, her brow knitting with confusion.
“Did you know that the council was going to refuse me? That I never stood a chance?” Rogue said, her hands trembling with suppressed rage.
Olivia sighed, and her shoulders sagged. “I’m sorry, sweetie. I wanted to tell you, but I couldn’t.”
“So, all of this has been for nothing? Accepting my sentence like a good little girl and trying to impress the council was just a waste of time?”
“It’s not like that, I swear. You seemed so passionate about saving Prime. How could I tell you?” Olivia cried.
“Simple, Mom. You could’ve been honest with me. You seem to forget that I’m a grown woman now.”
“Not to me. To me, you’re still my Lillian. My little girl.”
“My name is Rogue. Lillian died a long time ago, and you weren’t there to save her,” Rogue shouted, slamming her hands on the table.
“Sweetie, please. I’m begging you, don’t do this. We just found each other,” Olivia pleaded.
“That’s right. We did. And even then, you couldn’t bring yourself to believe in me. To trust me. I never sabotaged the hunt. Your precious teens did.”
“Lillian, I—”
“Forget it, Olivia. Tomorrow, the truth comes out, but it’ll be too late for us,” Rogue said, turning on her heel.
She paused. “Oh, and were you ever planning to tell me about you and Ric?”
“Of course, I was,” Olivia said. “I thought you needed a little time to adjust first.”
“Time during which both of you lied to me,” Rogue said. “Now, I know why you always took his side even when he treated me like a criminal.”
“No, I didn’t. I love you,” Olivia said, wringing her hands.
“You know what, Olivia? You and Ric deserve each other.”
“Don’t go. Not like this. Let’s talk—”
“There’s nothing more to talk about.”
Rogue stormed out of the house and slammed the door shut behind her. Muttering beneath her breath, she marched into the night. The only person she wanted at that moment was Seth. He was the only one who cared about her—the only one she trusted.
A chill breeze brushed across her skin, and her hackles rose. She looked around, but she was alone with only the stars for company. Everyone else was either on watch duty or in their homes, safe and sound. A whisper of sound alerted her t
o danger, and she turned. “No!”
A silver blade flashed above her head, wielded by a figure wreathed in darkness. As the knife descended, she threw up her hands, but it was a futile effort. A massive blow to the head sent her crumpling to the ground, and her consciousness slipped into a black void. Seth? Seth, where are you? I…I need you.
Chapter 14 - Moran
Moran rose to consciousness slowly. It felt like she swam through a sea of muddled thoughts before her eyes popped open. She jerked upright only to fall back again with a cry of pain. Her head throbbed with a heavy pounding beat that matched the rhythm of her heart.
With a groan, she pressed both hands to her skull. Her searching fingers found a knot the size of an egg above her temple. The area was caked with dried blood, and the scalp was open to the bone. She had a few more cuts and bruises. Nothing serious, though.
With infinite care, Moran rolled onto her side. A wave of nausea hit, and she vomited up the contents of her stomach. Luckily, it wasn’t much—just a small puddle of water and slime.
“I’d be careful if I was you,” a deep voice rumbled from nearby. “You got hit pretty hard.”
“Who’s there?” she asked, blinking into the gloom.
“It’s me, Bear,” he replied.
“Bear? You’re still alive?” A wave of gratitude washed over Moran as she levered herself upright.
Bear laughed. “It’ll take a lot more than a few scrawny guards to kill me.”
Moran found herself grinning in return. “No kidding. Where are you?”
“Over here,” Bear said, and she heard the rattle of chains.
She turned to find him in the cell next to her. “They chained you up?”
“Yup. I guess they thought it’d be safer.”
“Is there anybody else in here?” Moran asked, gingerly getting to her feet.
“Bruce is here,” Bear said.
“What? Where?” Moran cried, searching the dark cells for signs of Bruce.
The Extinction Series | Book 2 | Primordial Earth Page 8