Page 108 of Born Savage

“You don’t have enough men. The ones I encountered in the City of Lights are different. They are evolving.”

“Maybe so, but they still bleed red blood. Now, go find a place to hide. This shouldn’t take long.”

She pulled away. “I can fight with you.”

“Star. Please. I need you protected.”

Her slight head tilt was followed by a long sigh. “Fine. But you better not die on me. I already know a hiding place. There’s access to the attic in the other bedroom.”

“Perfect. You should be safe there.” I felt awkward, more so than usual. “Look, if anything happens, my men will take you to Eden.”

“You don’t even know for certain where it is.”

“We have an idea.” At least it was supposed to be there.

“What if something happens to all of you?” Her voice held more angst than before, so much so my heart was aching.

“Then you’ll go there yourself as you’ve done all these years, Commander. I have faith in your abilities and your strength.”

“That’s just it, Rage. I’ve never had faith in myself.”

“Well, you should. You’re a true warrior. Go.”

She grabbed her sword, heading out the door with only a single look back. The odds of Dwellers making an appearance was barely plausible, which meant we’d need to head out as soon as possible to ensure a trap hadn’t been set.

She’d already taken the child from the room, which allowed me a sigh of relief. I headed downstairs to find only Wrath and Vicious waiting.

“They’re almost here,” Wrath hissed. “So is the damn storm. The wind is blowing. The temperature has dropped ten degrees already in the last hour. I could feel ice pellets in the air.”

“Then let’s not waste any time. When they’re dead, we get packed up.”

Vicious nodded. “I don’t like this.”

“Yeah, neither do I, but all we can do is stand and fight.”

We’d also been lucky enough to find additional winter gear, but I bypassed the jacket, hoping the frigid cold would keep me on the edge. As soon as I walked outside, Blade approached.

“I don’t know if it will work, but we’re ready to try the lights. With using all the power available, we’ll only be operational for maybe ten minutes.”

“That should be just enough time.” I could smell the stench rolling over the walls from the wind. “Where are they?”

Wrath had the heat-seeker console in his hand. “Four hundred yards.”

“Then hold until they breach the wall. Fan out. We need to ensure all sides are covered.”

Vicious exhaled. “What about Star?”

“She’s good.”

“You’re sure about that?”

“If you have anything to say, I suggest you think again.”

We were at a standstill, his anger evident in his tense shoulders, but he said nothing. We were all exhausted, the mission taking a toll for several reasons. If Eden didn’t exist, then the next steps were unclear. What bothered me was wondering if there was any true Resistance out there other than smaller groups with good intentions.

Seconds later, Vicious walked off.

“They’re about to breach,” Wrath warned.