Page 126 of Born Savage

“I think I’m fine.”

I wiped my face, turning around as the dust continued to clear. No one spoke, likely because we had no idea what to say.

Seconds later, we were able to see the effects of the explosives the Savages had kept for one particular use.

The bridge was gone. So were the Dwellers, the river swiftly taking away what was left of their carcasses.

It appeared we were safe. For how long was anyone’s guess.

“Where are they? Where are our friends?” I asked. “They weren’t on the bridge.”

No one said anything and when I turned my head, I knew what their pinched faces were telling me. They’d lost their lives for the cause.

Freedom.

“Never forgotten,” I repeated, tears slipping from my eyes. The weight was horrific, the loss something we would all feel for years. But they’d shown such bravery in the light of possible defeat I would always be amazed. Understanding their sacrifice, I realized how important the moment was. We were heading toward our future, one that hopefully appeared as bright as the blue sky over our heads.

In the years since I’d come to live with Peter and the others, I’d learned about history, the horrible truths leading to the chain of events ultimately resulting in the destruction of the world. But at the same time, Peter had guided me toward aspects of the prophecy. He’d disguised the concept behind the throes of the Resistance, soldiers and politicians, educators and historians who’d been in place before the start of the end of all wars.

Their goal had been to bring the world back to a place of freedom, which of course meant they’d known all along the potential outcome once the dust and radiation had cleared.

The need for the Resistance had always been clear to me. Once the king had taken over, destroying all sense of democracy and enslaving his own people, there had to be others willing to die to bring freedom to the millions who were suffering.

But the truth about the war and the aftermath was more divinely challenged. I understood that now, the prophecy little more than a framework of hope. The gods had presented an opportunity in hopes that there would be someone honorable and as holy as possible to take up the cause.

Had the pieces been put into place to allow that very hope to be led to fruition? Yes. With the help of Phoenix’s father, who I’d begun to realize had been a great visionary, we were in a position to challenge true evil.

Even if we weren’t ready to cross that bridge just yet.

There would be demons at every turn, tormenting us with different dreams and ideas, providing off roads that would do little more than return us right back to where we were.

Trials. Tests. Promises.

As Rage wrapped his hand around mine, pulling me up another grassy knoll, I felt very much a shift in power.

The Phoenix was rising. Only this time, he was a man with a heart of gold.

We reached the top of the hill and as soon as we did, I felt a change in the atmosphere. As if the barometric pressure was entirely different.

Greeted by puffy white clouds, the blue sky was ignited by a beautiful ray of sun shimmering down across a wide patch of green grass.

There were trees and flowers, colorful shrubs and I could see buildings, one after another. Not skyscrapers, but beautiful buildings as if I’d found my way to a Greek island, one of my favorite places in books.

“My God,” Wrath muttered. “This is incredible.”

“Look at how clear the water is.” Vicious pointed to a stream and as we all walked closer, I clapped my hand over my mouth, squeezing Rage’s arm.

“Fish. Look at them. I’ve never seen a fish before.” I turned in a full circle, noticing trees full of fruit. “What are those?” As I raced toward them, feeling absolutely giddy, I grabbed Wren as I did, enjoying hearing her laughter. “Look.”

“Those are peaches,” Rage said. “They’re very sweet.” With his long arms, he plucked one easily from a branch, presenting it to his two girls. But before he allowed us to take a bite, he did himself, chewing thoughtfully until a smile crossed his face. “It’s safe. And delicious.”

As he handed it to me, our fingers touched and for the first time, I truly believed the future was bright.

And something to be proud of.

I allowed Wren to enjoy the fruit while I walked farther across the hill. The town was in a valley, buildings and trees as far as the eye could see.

“Is this Eden?” I asked when he wrapped his arm around me.