Eden

by C J Singh

  It will be all right.

  Keeping her eyes on the passing streets and buildings, she nodded. I turned to look at LaRae and Dr. Hahn. “So, it worked.”

  “It worked,” LaRae said with a smile, her bright gold eye like a small light in the dark car. “I’m so thankful for all the help you two gave.”

  “Help?” Eden turned to her. “We didn’t give help.”

  Her smile faltered. “Right. Of course. Nevertheless, I’m thankful.”

  “Me too, me too,” Dr. Hahn said. His gold eye didn’t quite fit his face with his wild, white hair framing it.

  We rode the rest of the trip in silence, and I held Eden’s hand tight, biting down at the pain from her claws. I would not flinch away in pain, even if they did break my skin.

  When we reached the eastern wall door, everyone exited in a quick dither and Eden dropped my hand. I fought the urge to snatch it back and keep her close, but I didn’t want to fight with her independent nature.

  “All right, leave. Run. Don’t come back,” David said, pushing all four of us toward the door. His eyes met mine, and I felt his pain. The others hustled to the wall door, but we stood in silence, watching each other. He stepped forward and put his hands on my shoulders. I examined his face, every wrinkle, every grey hair he had flecked along his temples. He may have made some bad choices that I didn’t understand, but I couldn’t just stop loving him. No matter what I called him, father or not, he had been my by side most of my life. Now he would have no one.

  Squeezing my shoulders, he smiled. “All right, my boy. Go. Be safe.” He pushed me toward the others, but instead of going, I pulled him into a hug.

  Closing my eyes, I imagined I was five again. My father holding me tight before sending me off to my first day of school. He said those same words then, all right, my boy, go. Be safe.

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t be what you wanted.”

  “No, no son. You have become more than I could have ever wanted.” Sniffing, he pushed me back and smiled. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” I squeezed his arms before heading to the wall door.

  I reached the door and Dr. Hahn opened it carefully, peering out. “All right. Let’s go. Go, go.”

  LaRae and Eden followed after him. I stopped just before passing through the door and looked back to David. He held up a single hand, trying not to let his chin quiver. We gave each other a knowing nod. This would be the last time we ever saw each other. Sending him one last smile, I closed the door and ran after the others into the woods.

  Chapter 68

  Eden

  The cool breeze hit me with the smell of dirt and evergreen. The sun shone on the green canopy of leaves over us like jewels. I smiled at the song of the birds and the scurry of the squirrels as we ran past them. Jace and I moved at the lead, both eager to get back to the camp.

  We can’t run the whole way.

  But we can get as far as we can into dusk.

  Eden, look.

  Jace stopped and turned to look at LaRae and Dr. Hahn. He panted out a laugh. “I think we should rest.”

  LaRae was limping at a very slow jog, holding her side, and Dr. Hahn was further behind, barely able to stand. His face was so red and his breathing so ragged, I could hear it clearly where we stood. I’m surprised neither has had a heart attack.

  “Please. Rest,” LaRae said

  Dropping my head back with a sigh, I groaned. “Yeah. All right.” I walked to a few birch trees and set my hand on the moss-covered white bark. Resting my forehead on the trunk, I breathed in the sweet scent of home.

  “How far... is this place?” Dr. Hahn gasped, collapsing against a large northern trunk.

  Sliding down the birch to the cool dirt ground, I looked between him and LaRae. “We should get there tomorrow. There’s a cave about halfway we would like to make it to tonight. It’s safer. But you two will have to try and keep pace with us.”

  “Safer?” LaRae’s eyes widened, and her green eye looked vibrant next to her new gold one.

  “Yeah. The scourges are rampant. We don’t want to get caught up with any of them if we can avoid it.” I looked to Dr. Hahn, whose red face was blushed more from embarrassment, turning it purple.

  “I’m sorry. So, so, sorry. I didn’t know.”

  “Just leave it. What’s done is done.” I stood, brushing off my pants. “We need to get moving if we are to make it before dark.” They both stood and started after us.

  Jace and I slowed our pace, keeping at a fast walk. They managed better, but Dr. Hahn still straggled behind, breathing heavy.

  “So, how long did it take for you to get used to your... new senses?” LaRae puffed behind us.

  I glanced back at her before continuing ahead. “I guess I don’t really know. I grew up this way. Jace may be able to answer that one better.”

  “Yeah, about a week for me to fully comprehend everything new, but to be honest, I’m still getting used to it.” He smiled at her, and I looked away before my cheeks warmed. We were finally free, out in the woods. We could be together if we wanted, nothing was keeping us apart. The idea excited yet terrified me, and I don’t terrify easily.

  I looked up and Jace was giving me a questioning look, but I shook it off before passing him to continue on.

  We made it to the cave just before the darkness completely took over. I have never been so happy to see the rock opening. Just like the trees, I slid my hand along the cool, hard surface and set my cheek to it. I was greeting my way through the woods. Closing my eyes, I stood in silence, listening to the drip of the water and the hoot of the owl in the trees. A warm, gentle hand slid along my back, and I tensed, opening my eyes.

  “I’ll sit on watch, all right? You rest.” Jace kept his voice low, and when I turned to speak, he put a finger to his lips motioning for me to be quiet. LaRae and Dr. Hahn were already passed out on the rocky ground. I couldn’t help but smile. Meeting Jace’s eyes, we stood in silence, watching each other but, this time, not through glass. I could reach out and touch him if I wanted. When his eyes dropped to my lips, my stomach seized, and I stepped back, looking away.

  “All right. Wake me when you want to switch,” I whispered and slide down the wall.

  “Sure.”

  I watched his back as he walked to the mouth of the cave and found the large boulder we usually sat on. Closing my eyes, I focused my mind to empty everything so I could sleep. It didn’t take long.

  ***

  With my chin resting in my hand, my eyes drooped shut. I caught myself before I tipped over. Jace had woken me only a few hours before dawn, but I was exhausted. The mental stress of the situation was taking a toll.

  “Careful,” Jace said as he walked up beside me.

  “How are you awake? How are you not tired?”

  He grinned. “Too excited to get back. I’m surprised at how much I enjoy living out here.”

  LaRae and Dr. Hahn pulled themselves up and limped out of the cave. Their disheveled hair and bags under their eyes told me they may have survived the virus, but living in the luxury-free woods could be their end.

  “Any chance we can go a bit slower today? That wasn’t the most comfortable bed.” Dr. Hahn’s wild hair stuck out in every direction.

  “We can, but we just may not be able to make it there before dark comes. Maybe you will be better once you get moving,” I said.

  After scavenging some berries and water from the stream, we set off. I led and Jace held up the rear, not wanting Dr. Hahn to get too far behind. Everyone was so focused on the hike, pushing through bushes, stepping over logs, and not slipping on the motes that no one spoke. Jace didn’t even try and speak to me in my head. A pit in my stomach formed when I thought of the night before. His eyes on mine and how they dropped to my lips. I panicked, froze. This was all new territory for me.

  I
was so preoccupied with my thoughts that I didn’t hear the screech or smell of sweaty skin. “Eden!” Jace’s voice pulled me from my thoughts, and I spun around.

  Four scourge headed toward us. I tugged LaRae’s arm and pushed her in front of me. “Run!” Her eyes widened, but she didn’t hesitate, charging ahead.

  I have nothing. No weapon.

  Use your claws!

  Smart, why didn’t I think of that?

  Jace picked up a thick branch, taking it out on two scourges. Dr. Hahn stumbled toward me, looking like he was about to cry. I pushed him after LaRae. “Run!” He kept moving forward, never looking back.

  Curling my fingers, I charged the remaining two scourges. My training from both Old Bob and Brian flooded back through me and my arms and legs were a blur. I slashed and kicked each one, letting out all of my pent-up rage from the last few months, and before Jace had taken down his two, mine were dead. I stalked over to help him as he knocked one to the ground, then turned back to attack the other. I grabbed the one from the ground as it stood, and in one swift movement, broke its neck. Jace wavered a second to watch me, but then turned again hitting the last scourge on the head with his stick. It fell to the ground, still.

  “That was impressive,” he said, and I tried not to look too proud of myself as I wiped my bloody claws onto my pants.

  A twig snapped, and we both whipped around. Jace held up the branch ready for anything. Standing just behind a few trees were the most beautiful ice-blue eyes and curly blond hair. “Tate!” I bounded toward his stunned face, but as I got closer, he opened his arms to let me in. We collided with so much force that he fell back onto the leaf-infested ground. I buried my nose in his neck and breathed in his rosy citrus scent.

  We had made it just short of the camp. They must have heard the fighting or seen LaRae and Dr. Hahn.

  “Eden?”

  I turned to see Old Bob approach us. Sniffing, I stood and moved to him, not caring that my cheeks were soaked with tears. He pulled me toward him, giving my claws a quick glance before his burly arms completely covering me, and I relaxed. He saw what I have become, and he didn’t push me away. I let all the tension from the last few months free. I was safe. Safe in my father’s arms. He tried to push me back, but I refused, holding him close. His warmth, his smell, was home.

  “What happened?” Tate asked.

  “Oh. It’s a very long story,” Jace said.

  “Is Tristan with you?” Old Bob said into my hair and I stilled. Tristan. I would have to tell them what happened, and they will hate me for it. I killed him.

  Stop. That’s not true.

  I stepped back but kept Old Bob’s hands in mine. When I met his eyes, I didn’t have to say a word. He knew.

  “No,” he whispered. “How?”

  I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. I couldn’t say the words. Jace’s hand touched my arm. “That is part of the story. Let’s talk about it over dinner?”

  Old Bob tore his eyes from mine and looked to Jace. “Yes, of course.” He put his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close. Tate’s eyes roamed my face, down to my claws, but he also didn’t balk at me. Relief flowed through me; they accepted me for what I have become.

  A loud bark rang from the camp and my heart leapt. “Ash!” I took a step forward, then spotted his grey fur springing toward me. He jumped into my arms, and I buried my face in his thick mane. “Oh, Ash. I missed you.” Moving back, I smiled into his gold eyes. He licked me, then turned to Jace who knelt next to us.

  “Hey, buddy.” He scratched behind his ears and Ash groaned with pleasure. Jace smiled at me, but I quickly looked away and stood feeling my cheeks warm. Ash stayed so close he was leaning on my leg as we moved.

  Little one?

  Brian and Derek emerged from the crowd and surveyed us. Brian pulled Jace into a one-armed hug. “Jace! Eden!”

  “Hey, Brian,” Jace smirked.

  Grabbing Old Bob and Tate’s hands with Ash at my heels, we pushed through the growing crowd. Most people were smiling and greeting us as we passed, all curious how we escaped the city, but some watched us nervously.

  It looks like you have a lot to tell us.

  Derek’s voice rang through my mind. He watched LaRae and Dr. Hahn as they followed us to his tent with wide nervous eyes.

  You have no idea.

  Chapter 69

  Jace

  We sat around the table in Derek’s tent with fresh food on our plates, and my heart was happy. I haven’t known these people long, but in that short time, they have wormed their way into my heart to become like family. Eden, Dr. Hahn, LaRae, and I told our stories of what happened and everyone listened with eager ears. Jon had joined as the people’s voice and ears, whatever that meant. Everyone inspected Eden’s new claws and her longer fangs with curiosity, but no one dared make her feel like a monster. I could feel that fear within her, but I insisted that it would be all right, and it was.

  “So, the walls are open?” Jon asked.

  “That was going to be the next step once everyone was given the cure,” LaRae said.

  “And by cure you mean, becoming like... you all.” Jon waved a hand toward all of us.

  “That’s right,” LaRae said.

  Jon scoffed, shaking his head. “No way I would do that.”

  Derek sat back and ran a hand through his greying hair. “Wow. So, this could all be over.” Everyone sat stunned at the possibility that life may return to somewhat normal. “Zane.” He shook his head. “I knew he was a slimy bastard, but to have created the virus himself? That’s a new low.”

  “Why would he do that?” Tate asked.

  Old Bob sat forward. “He never agreed with President Jacobs. He thought he was weak. After the war, resources were so low, Zane was pushing Jacobs to try and take control of resources, both in the north and south. Jacobs was insistent on working peacefully with both sides.”

  “Even though communication was non-existent, Zane still insisted on world power. That must be why he went behind Jacobs’s back to create the virus. He wanted to give him a reason to attack our neighbors,” Derek said.

  “What happened to Jacobs?” Eden asked.

  The room rushed with sadness. “He died from the virus. That’s when Zane made his move to take control,” Derek replied.

  Dr. Hahn wiped a single tear away. “I’m so very sorry. I wish... I wish I could go back and—”

  “Nothing we can do now about it,” Brian said but pursed his lips. “Just tell us one thing, Dr. Hahn. Why? Why did you create it?”

  “I... I was scared. Zane... threatened me. My family. I didn’t have much choice.”

  “And my mother?” Eden asked.

  “What? Mom?” Tate said.

  “The same... Zane, he threatened Tate and your father. She was just doing what she thought was protecting you, but later regretted it.”

  “That’s why she planned the bombing,” Old Bob added.

  “What?” Tate said again. “Our mother created the virus and planned the rebel bombing?”

  “There is a lot you can learn about your mother.” Old Bob gave Tate’s shoulder a squeeze.

  I looked to Eden who had been avoiding my eyes ever since that moment in the cave. I could sense her fear. I just needed a moment alone with her to let her know that I understood, and I wasn’t going to push her. It was all on her terms.

  “Should others, who want to, go and get the cure as well?” Jon asked. He sat forward with intent grey eyes on LaRae. They had a similarity to Zane’s, only Jon’s weren’t hollow.

  “No, no.” Dr. Hahn sat forward. Since the escape, he had become much twitchier, making it hard for him to focus or do simple tasks such as eat. “I believe that since you have lived out here, you have built up an immunity. If you haven’t caught it already, then you should be fine. Yes, fine, fine.”
>
  Brian sat forward and looked to both the scientists. “So, you have the same... side effects as all of us?” He motioned to him, Derek, Eden, and me.

  “Yes.” LaRae smiled. “It’s very... new.”

  He laughed. “I bet it is.”

  Dr. Hahn looked between Derek, Brian, and Old Bob. His face dropped, and he brought up a shaky hand to his mouth. “My, my, I didn’t... I didn’t realize.” He pointed between them. “Robert Sewell.” Old Bob smiled. “Derek Robins.” Derek gave him a single nod. “Brian Jacobs.” Brian smiled. “I... I changed you.”

  “Yes, you did. I was wondering if you would recognize us,” Derek said, giving the nervous scientist a friendly smile.

  “We... we thought you were... dead. Yes, dead. That is until Jace mentioned you the other day to Zane.”

  “That was the plan,” Brian said, turning to Jace. “So, Zane knows we are alive?”

  “I’m afraid so,” LaRae replied.

  “Well, this could get interesting,” Brian said.

  “How so?” Tate asked.

  “Well, we didn’t leave Zane on the best of terms.” Derek shared a smirk with Brian. “Who knows what his next play will be. We just need to be on alert.”

  “He doesn’t know a lot of us are alive. It could be a rude awakening for him,” Old Bob said before taking a long sip of his tea.

  “Well good thing we have you then, Robert.” Derek smiled. A lot must have happened on their end as well when we were gone. The tension that was felt before we left wasn’t there, replaced with more of a mutual respect and understanding.

  “So you knew nothing of what was done to you? What about the pictures in your tent?” Eden asked Derek.

  His cheek twitched. “Ah, yes. I would rather not think about you breaking into my tent.” Their eyes locked but didn’t hold anger only humor. Everyone was fine, so all was well. “And, no. We didn’t know what was done to us.” He looked to Dr. Hahn, then back to Eden. “When the bombing happened, we took the chance to run. I grabbed those papers as we ran from the lab. I didn’t have time for questions or analyzing anything.”