Page 43 of When Monsters Rise
Chapter19
Thebank was a safe spot where we were able to pull down metal shutters to keep out the monsters.Thewatchers scoped out the building before we settled on the ground floor in the main room.Itwas a bare space with a checkout counter running along the back.Athick plastic window extended from the counter up to the ceiling.Peoplewould have stood behind that counter to serve customers with the plastic as a barrier.
I’dseen such scenes in movies that had survived the decimation of the old world.
Moneyhad mattered back then.Paperand silver and gold.Nowthe only currency that mattered was skill.Tradeand barter were our way.Preciousmetals and gems meant nothing.
Itwasn’t late, but everyone was exhausted.Sleepcame quickly, even without the comfort of bedding or blankets, because in this shitty world, sleep brought the comfort of oblivion, taking us away from reality for a little while.
Sleepwas a reprieve that we all craved, butIdoubted it would find me easily tonight.
Instead,Iwatched over our people as they huddled in clusters on the threadbare brown carpet, pillowing their hands on backpacks and each other as they slipped into dreams to forget the horror of what had happened and the uncertainty of what was to come.
Bastianslipped his arms around me from behind and drew me against his chest. “We’llbe safe here tonight.It’ssecure.”
Ileaned into his body, allowing him to support me for a moment. “Good.Becauseeveryone is exhausted.Theshock of the last few hours has hit.”
Hekissed the top of my head. “Butwe’re alive.Whichmeans we get more time.”
Beeapproached looking apologetic. “Hateto break up the hugfest, butShemwants us in the side room.”
Yeah, business.Wehad plenty to attend to.
“How’sSammy?”Bastianasked her.
“Better.Themeds are working.It’llbe a day or so before he’s back to normal, but he’s breathing easier now.”
“Worthit, then.”
“Totally.”
Thehaul of meds they’d brought back with them would be invaluable on the road ahead.
Shemappeared in the doorway to the interview room.Hisgaze zeroed in on me, and a jolt of awareness shot through me.
I’dbeen summoned.
Wejoined the watchers in a side room, probably used for interviews or something back when the world was normal.
Normal…Whatwas that, anyway?This…this was normal now.
Therewere a couple of filing cabinets shoved against a wall and a small window high up that had been boarded over haphazardly.
Jilyanasat on a plastic chair in a corner looking warily at the watchers, some of whom were making no secret of how disgusted they were to have her with us.
Shewas an athletic-looking female, but she seemed to have shrunk, surrounded by these hulking watchers.
Baraqelstared right at her, his top lip up in a silent snarl, and she quickly ducked her head as if expecting to be struck.
Indignantrage burst in my chest. “Stopit.”Istepped in front of her. “Allof you, fucking stop looking at her like you want to hurt her.”
“She’sthe reason we’re in this mess,”Baraqelsnarled.
Withhis tusks, angry scarlet skin, and stocky tank build,Baraqelcould be a frightening sight, butIwasn’t afraid of him or any of the watchers.Rightnow,Iwas pissed.
Iheld his glare defiantly. “TheDominionare the reason.Jilyanawas merely a pawn.Shesaved our lives back at the mall, and she saved mine outside theGoldenCity.Ifshe hadn’t helped with the herald’s claw, thenShemandSarqmight be dead.Shedeserves a second chance.”
“Youdon’t get to decide that,”Baraqelsnapped.
