Chapter 46

The rain whipped down like crystal nails, and veined lightning decorated the sky as the pick-up truck speeded down the shiny road through the tar-black valley.

The car window danced with spray, and the humming of the fast windscreen wiper's clear, regular lilting pattern didn't have its usual soothing effect.

An ominous orange glow lit up the sky behind the ragged forest line as they got closer to town.

Nueva clenched her fists until her nails dug into the skin of her palms. Not knowing what to expect filled her with terror, pain, and grief. Yet, it also brought a profound sense of purpose.

Alpha Gray turned the corner down the main street, and he immediately slammed on the brakes. They both gasped at the devastating scene unfolding in front of them.

Countless bodies of both civilians and soldiers lay dead on the street, their blood pooling and flooding down the road in the pelting rain.

Most of the shops and cafes were on fire. Roaring flames