“I can’t believe it.” Kai stood next to her, his bloodied dagger held limp at his sides “They’re...leaving.”
The horde was retreating, disappearing into the woods as quickly as they came.
Erling’s wall erupted into a chorus of cheers. Kai pumped his fist in the air, howling like a wolf. He spun around, his bright gaze landing on Sanna. “We did it! We’re alive!” He laughed at the sun. His long hair had come loose from his tie, giving him a wild, rugged air. His broad grin brought magic to his eyes.
He was the bravest person she’d ever met.
He’d faced a massive horde armed with no more than a bow and a dagger. He’d protected her even as she wallowed in the snow, rendered useless by that insidious voice.
He looked at her, his smiling dimming and offered his gloved hand. “You’re okay, aren’t you?”
“Yeah, I’m fine,” She lied, slipping her hand into his. The voice had left her feeling violated and vaguely ill. She almost wished the Infected would’ve taken her. It was better than realizing she faced a horde by making a snow angel.
When she’d ordered the voice to leave, the Infected stopped attacking. Was there a connection?
No. Impossible. She might be going crazy, but she wasn’t delusional. The Infected were beasts. Animals. They’d probably heard some poor creature dying in the forest, and decided it was an easier target. She had survived today out of sheer luck. And him. The gate’s iron gears clanked to life behind her. She stumbled backward into Kai, who gripped her shoulders, steadying her.
“Sorry,” she stepped to the side. Erling’s guards flooded the entryway and cheered, shaking their weapons in the air.
“There they are! They sent the horde packing!” Someone shouted. The mob roared its approval.
Sanna’s stomach twisted. She wanted to shrink. Disappear. She did not deserve a hero’s welcome. She edged away, but Kai wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. He guided her through the joyous, bustling crush. The scent of sweat and smoke filled the air, nearly gagging her. Ruddy, wind-chapped faces swarmed around her, grinning like jack-o’-lanterns as hands smacked her back and shoulders.
Their sheer joy did little to ease the heavy weight of failure on her chest, or the feeling that she was being destroyed from within.
CHAPTER TWEVLVE
Twig fell against the straggly birch, his skull squeezed in an invisible vise. The pain was so immense, he was surprised his head hadn’t cracked open like a rotten egg. How had she done that? He’d nearly had her and then she’d not only pushed him away, but also drove the horde into the forest.
She was growing stronger.
More dangerous.
Now that she banished him from her thoughts, her mind would be closed to him in the future. In time she might even challenge his control over the horde he’d so carefully gathered.
His horde. Twig grinned, his skin ripping further apart. He dragged his hand across his aching face and was surprised to find dark blood coating it. The wound that ran from his right ear all to his left temple had reopened from the force. He hadn’t been made for his kind of work. His stitching was rudimentary. He was meant to either spend eternity serving the Omegas in their glittering mansions or toiling on the human farms with the other uglies.
At least, that’s what his master had told him. Repeatedly. Often right after he pointed out a spot Twig had missed while scrubbing the floor.
Twig laughed. It was a rusty sound, one that he hadn’t made in many human lifetimes. His master was wrong. He’d gathered a horde, just like an Omega, and guided it to a location of his choosing. Even though his quarry escaped, Twig had never felt so proud.
What else had that arrogant fool lied about? Perhaps Twig could stand naked in broad daylight. Or swim. Or drink the blood of the dead, instead of just the living. Maybe his body could heal if he consumed enough humans. Then he’d no longer look like a gruesome, mismatched mockery of a human, and the agony that marked each of his days would finally be gone.
He would’ve never considered this if he hadn’t left home. Omegas were so greedy, reserving the humans for themselves and giving their slaves scraps and animals.
For the first time in two-hundred years, hope fluttered in his chest. The further he got from his master’s influence, the more anything seemed possible.
Twig fished out the sharpened bone needle and catgut thread he kept on him at all times and went to work closing the jagged wound across his face.
He finally determined the location of Sanna’s settlement. Erling. It sat like a giant wart amongst the trees. Its walls were steep. Impenetrable. The Alpha could sail over, but she’d proven to be far more difficult to control than the others. It was hard to keep her near him, let alone compel her to do anything.
Even now, he felt her resistance. A palpable tug on his chest. She might look innocent, perched on that boulder like a demonic bird. Her blank stare didn’t fool him. She thought him weak. Unworthy. She would escape the moment he let down his guard, just like that human cow that left him to starve. He wouldn’t let the Alpha get away. He’d show her just how strong he was, even if it ripped every stitch in his body.
But that would take time. Practice. And right now, he needed to destroy Sanna before she became a threat. If Infected could scale the slick walls, and the Alpha refused to fly over them, he had to convince a human to let him inside.
“There you are!” A familiar voice called. Twig yanked up his hood and turned to Cerise, the leader of this human encampment. “Did you see all those Infected? They went right by us.”
“I told you I’d protect you.”
“Yes, of course. We are so grateful,” the women bowed her head. “Have you seen Kyle? His mother went out looking for him a few hours ago—”
“No,” Twig lied. The boy and his mother had been far too clingy for his taste. Treating him like human child ever since they brought him here. He’d also been starving after gathering the horde, so the boy’s penchant for following him worked out after all. “I haven’t.”
He followed Cerise back to the camp. Humans left those Erling’s walls every morning to go hunting. It would be easy to intercept one of them, so long as he covered his tender skin from the scorching sun.
If his time in servitude had taught him anything, it was how agreeable humans could be when their life was at stake. And how incredibly selfish.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Kai never liked crowds. In his experience, the more people who got together, the worse everyone became—cheering one moment and tearing each other apart the next. Now, a crowd was at least fifty strong surrounded them like a pack of wolves. Some thumped Kai’s shoulder, while others playfully tousled the hair of their neighbors. A few even broke into a drinking song Kai hadn’t heard since he was child. Frankie pranced from one person to the next, thrilled by the hubbub and good cheer.
The crowd parted, revealing a small, sallow man with greasy gray hair. He was dwarfed by his companion—a giant with a leather eye patch, whose craggy face seemed carved from granite. His wide head sat on his shoulders like a cannonball, and his thick, red beard was streaked in gray. The giant’s lone blue eye zeroed in on Sanna, and his intimidating scowl broke into one of utter shock. “You’re—you’re...alive!” He sputtered, his metal teeth flashing.
“Hey, Dad.” Sanna clutched an elbow, bowing her head. “Sorry I’m late.”
Ivan scooped Sanna into a bone-crushing hug, his muscular arms straining his leather duster. “Simon told us you were dead—that an Outsider killed you. But when I heard two people were making a run for it in the gauntlet, I thought, I hoped—” He held Sanna at arm’s length. “You’re not hurt, are you? No,” he decided, embracing her again. “You gave us such a scare, girl.”
“What about Haven? Did she make it?” Sanna said, her voice nearly lost in Ivan’s chest.
“Yes, yes,” Ivan set Sanna down, but didn’t release her. “That girl could’ve made a damn good soldier if your mother hadn�
��t gotten to her first. She’s resilient, I tell you.”
“Much like you, Sanna,” the smaller man interjected. His gaze shifted to Kai. “Who’s this, then? A stray, perhaps?”
Sanna extricated herself from her father’s grasp. “Lieutenant, this is Kai Merrick. He’s the one who got Haven and me out of the lake yesterday morning. Without him, neither of us would’ve made it.”
“In that case, you’re hero, son.” The Lieutenant grabbed Kai’s hand and pumped it. “Welcome to Erling. We’re all at your service.” The crowd went wild around them, crowing and punching the air with their fists. The Lieutenant smiled and waved at the masses, then turned to Kai and pulled him closer, his breath sour. “Provided you pass the blood test and background check, of course.”
Kai swallowed. “No problem.”
“All right, all right,” Ivan waved his beefy hands in the air, calming the crowd. “Back to your posts! All of you! The horde might have retreated, but that doesn’t mean they won’t attack again.”
“They can try!” A woman shouted
“Let’s show them what we got!” A man added and the crowd cheered, their brush with death leaving them effervescent as they dispersed.
“It’s truly amazing that out of all the miles and miles of Deadlands, you happened to be where the girls needed you,” a smooth, tenor voice purred as a heavyset woman finished shaking Kai’s hand. “How incredibly lucky for them.”
“Yeah.”
A man in his late twenties materialized from the crowd. Unlike Ivan, who’s bulk had somewhat softened with age, this man was in his prime. Tall and chisled, his ebony hair was woven into a sleek topknot and his amber eyes studied Kai with a predator’s interest. He snatched the arm of passing soldier with a viper’s speed. “Tell Dr. Larson and Haven that Sanna’s alive.” His gaze slid to Kai. “And that she brought an Outsider.”
“Yes, Raj.”
Raj released her, and she disappeared into the drab, shuffling current of villagers heading to their posts, “So, Merrick,” he continued, “what were you doing this far North? Erling is a long way from anywhere.”
“I was...uh...heading to the border, sir.”
“Ahh,” Raj’s thick black brows inched up. “So, you had a death wish, then. No wonder you jumped into that frozen lake after complete strangers.”
Kai lifted his chin. “I was only doing what your men wouldn’t.”
“Can’t this wait until tomorrow?” Sanna asked. “We’re exhausted.”
Raj raised his hand, silencing her. “I’m just trying to wrap my head around this amazing act of heroism. It’s not every day you meet someone so...selfless.”
“C’mon, Raj,” Ivan said with a good-natured chuckle. His arm was still looped around Sanna’s shoulders. “It’s not like he tossed the girls in. Look at him, a strong wind would knock him flat.”
“All I’m saying is that this whole mess is a damn good way to get inside Erling without going through the proper channels.” He turned to Kai. “I’m assuming you don’t have any documents with you? Identification?”
“Ah...no, sir. I didn’t think I’d need them.”
“Of course.” Raj smirked.
Kai shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “I was kind of hoping for a place to crash for a few days but if that’s too much to ask, then I can just leave.”
“If he goes,” Sanna stepped them. “I go.”
“Sure,” Kai said quickly, surprised at his luck. “I know a place—”
“You’re not going anywhere, girl,” Ivan cut in. “Your mother’s been through enough. I’ve been through enough. The boy will get tested just like all of the other visitors. Right, Raj? End of story.”
“Actually, last I checked the clinic’s quarantine cells were full,” Raj said crisply. “There is the dungeon...”
Kai’s blood ran cold.
“He could stay with us,” Sanna offered. “You said so yourself, Kai’s a hero, not a criminal. Right, Dad?”
“Fine with me,” Ivan beamed down at her. “Your mother’s gonna be over the moon. I can’t wait—”
“No offense, Sanna,” Raj cut in, loud enough for the surrounding people to hear, “but you haven’t been a great judge of character lately, have you? I think it's best the new arrival is taken somewhere more...impartial.”
Sanna’s cheeks burned as snickers rose from the crowd. Stupid Nico.
“Enough!” The Lieutenant said. Kai had forgotten the man was even there. “I swear, Raj, you’d argue with the sun if someone told you it could answer. I’ll take the kid to tavern. He can stay there under lock and key until his tests clear. Come on, boy,” the Lieutenant waved at Kai to follow as he headed down the muddy road.
Kai fell in behind him, eager to be out of Raj’s sights. He shot Sanna one last glance, but Ivan was already guiding her down another street which led to a series of small cabins and a few two-story homes. She still looked defeated—what that jerk had said about poor judgement must have really bothered her. Kai should have said something.
“We’ll share a drink, you and I,” the Lieutenant as they walked deeper into town. Old storefronts shot up on each side, all in desperate need of paint. Most appeared empty, and those that were in use were pieced together with whatever materials could be scavenged. In fact, with the exception of the impressive wall to keep out the unclean and Infected, Erling was little more than the decrepit remains of an abandoned town.
“I know it’s not much,” the Lieutenant said, slowing down so he’d catch up, “But it's safe. There hasn’t been a breech in nearly twelve years, if you can believe it. Ale ain’t too bad either after you get used to it. Yep, things will turn around, once the scientists from New Hope start coming in.”
“Scientists?” Kai repeated as they passed two grubby children huddled together, poking something with stick. “Here? Why?”
“The Infected, of course. I’ve got a whole stack of notices from the Center for Virus Control sitting on my desk. The bigwigs down south want to know what’s causing them to wake up so early this year. Especially since Erling’s the only territory where it’s happening.” He came to a stop outside a whitewashed building that sat on the corner. It had a wide, squarish front porch that sloped down, and four large windows that spilled yellow candlelight onto the street. Most of the inside tables were packe. Upstairs, the curtains were drawn. “I’d suggest the leave the dog out here for now. Dinah’s isn’t a fan of animals that aren’t eaten.”
Kai tied Frankie to one of the railings and gave him a pat. He trailed the little man inside, hoping to get him drunk enough that later this evening, when Kai broke into his house, he wouldn’t notice a thing.
A few hours later, Kai peered around the corner of the Lieutenant’s house—a weathered colonial that may be leaning to the left—and watched the drunken man try to unlock his back door with his key, only to have swing open.
Someone had gotten there before him.
The Lieutenant blinked owlishly, then staggered inside, shutting the door behind him. Kai waited a few moments, then crept onto the landing. He tried the doorknob. It was locked. He went to work, using the lockpick set Hayes had gifted him years ago, along with a set of shackles Kai wore until he could pick them. Those had taken him a full day, while this one clicked in a matter of minutes. He slipped inside.
The door led to a spartan kitchen with a half-filled pitcher near the sink. He sneaked through an arched opening that led to a dining room that held a small oak table, set for three. Dust tickled his nose as he entered into the living room. Thick, rotting drapes covered the windows, and a massive wooden china hutch barricaded the front door.
Odd. Did the Lieutenant not trust his own guard to keep the Infected at bay?
There was no place to stash documents. They must be in an office. Or a bedroom. Upstairs.
The ceiling groaned as the Lieutenant shuffled down the hall. A door creaked opened at the far end, then shut. A deadbolt snicked into place. The Lieutenant might be drunk, but he
still was nervous about unexpected visitors.
Kai padded up the stairs. The door at the end was shut, while three others lining the hall were open. He searched each of them, moving quickly. All of the rooms were empty, with only the silhouettes of the furniture remaining on the faded wallpaper. Snores rumbled from the Lieutenant’s room by the time he reached it.
Kai stared at the door. Was the old warrant for his arrest inside? Did he dare risk it? He’d have to. That piece of paper had the power to send him to the gallows. He took the pick from his pocket and went to work. The lock gave way without a fight.
Kai twisted the handle and pressed. The door wouldn’t budge. He leaned into it and felt solid resistance. The Lieutenant must’ve barricaded his bedroom door, just like the door downstairs. Kai pressed again. Something scraped across the floorboards on the other side.
“Raj?” The Lieutenant slurred.
Kai’s stomach dropped. He raced down the hall.
“Wait!” the lieutenant shouted, followed by more scraping. The bedroom door banged open. “Raj! I want to see them!”
Kai leaped down the stairs, taking three at a time. He darted through the vacant living room, past the dining room and its tiny table set for three. Moonlight streamed through the moth-eaten curtains, illuminating the yellowed linoleum floor and the rust colored stain he was standing in. The grisly color was a splattered across the walls, cabinets and peeling countertops. Even the sink looked like it was painted in rust, and nearby it, a large cleaver waited with a wooden handle.
“I want to see them!” The Lieutenant warbled from the steps; his voice watery from tears.
Kai shook off his horror and crossed the kitchen. His head struck something hard, and he ducked, glancing up. A butcher’s hook swung overhead. Lieutenant’s footsteps drew closer. Kai made a break for the door, letting it slam behind him. He sprinted down the main road.
“Raj!” The Lieutenant called after him. “You can’t keep me from my family!”
Kai dove for the shadows, his heart racing. He had no clue what was going on at the Lieutenant’s house. He hoped he wouldn’t be in Erling long enough to find out.
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