Page 58 of Us Deadly Few

“No. The literal sense,” the Chief replied, her voice cutting through the brisk air. “We keep a watch and train our warriorsdaily because Ansel is waiting for the right time to attack.”

“Who’s Ansel?” Derek asked.

“The leader of the Sinners,” the Chief spat, her jaw clenching. “A spawn of the devil who has been trying to conquer our walls for years.”

“And if he does?” Khalani’s voice trembled with apprehension.

“We will prevail. We have no other choice.”

“But if you let us leave for Hermes, we can bring you back more weapons to fight—”

“No,” the Chief snapped, halting in the middle of the road. “The moon goddess watches over us. Stronger weapons or not, she won’t let us fall.” She tilted her head back, but the pale moon didn’t provide any divine reassurances.

When the Chief walked away, Brock scoffed.

“They’re definitely going to die.”

She happened to agree.

From her short, tragic existence, Khalani knew all too well that looking to some mysterious force for saving was a foolish effort.

They’d be waiting until the Earth claimed their graves.

There appeared to be more families than warriors in the Desert Spring, and if they were attacked, she wasn’t confident they would all survive.

The bigger problem was that Khalani and the others were trapped inside the walls with them.

11

Watch out for the quiet ones.

They’ve learned how to mask their rage.

That night, Khalani barely slept. She used to find solace in sleep. But sometimes, fears cross boundaries they shouldn’t.

Sliding through barriers.

Burrowing into dreams.

Unyielding

Relentless.

She eventually got up and lay on the couch in the living room, her eyes fixed on the uneven white ceiling. The quietness of the room was deceptive. Every creak of the floorboards and distant murmur in the house was magnified.

The front door abruptly swung open, shattering the fragile silence.

The Chief strode in, her long black hair neatly braided down her back. Dressed in beige pants and a brown tank top that accentuated her toned arms, she exuded strength and confidence.

“Get everyone ready,” she commanded. “You’ll be assigned to your stations today.”

“Stations?” Serene appeared from around the corner, her dripping blue hair leaving dark stains on her shirt.

“Yes. In the Desert Spring, everyone pulls their own weight.” The Chief crossed her arms. “If you don’t work, you don’t eat. You have a few minutes to meet me outside.” With a decisive turn, she slammed the front door shut.

Khalani quickly roused the others. Wearing the loose-fitting tan clothing and black boots, the six of them followed the Chief into the harsh daylight.

Ferren and Jared stood guard on the porch, their impatience evident. Without a word, the Chief marched through the center of town, leaving them no choice but to follow.

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