Shifting Sands: A Post-apocalyptic Dystopian Novel by Melanie Bokstad Horev

Author:Melanie Bokstad Horev [Horev, Melanie Bokstad]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-06-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 10

The room constricted as Nour faced the Others at the door, the metallic tang of fear hanging thick in the air. Those she had thawed huddled near the door, fear painted on their faces. Duets, Dwellers, and Blazers, all shivering and trembling, trapped, held at gunpoint by five of the Others, four men and one woman.

Nour's wide eyes swiftly scanned the room, absorbing the disconcerting sight before her. The once desperate faces of the inhabitants now sported cunning smirks, their true intentions laid bare.

The realization hit her like a punch to the gut.

Derry, stood between two of the men, his eyes anxious. The Others had singled him out, their weapons aimed in his direction.

Do they know he is my brother?

Nour, stepped forward, her every movement deliberate.

The woman with the gun exuded an air of calculated confidence. Her eyes, sharp and perceptive, flicked around the room. Dressed in attire that suggested a blend of pragmatism and authority, she stood slightly apart from the rest.

The four men flanking Derry wore expressions hardened by the reality of their existence. Their clothing was utilitarian. Their boots, scuffed and scuffed again, carried the weight of countless sandspan wandering the empty halls of the Glass Cage. One of them, with weathered lines on his face, gripped the firearm with familiarity. Another, younger one, shifted uncomfortably but maintained a vigilant gaze. That one, he’s weakest, easily distracted, undisciplined.

The woman's gaze met Nour's with a detached curiosity, as if studying a puzzle yet to be revealed.

"We don't want any trouble," Nour's voice echoed in the dimness, reverberating off the walls. "Just let us go."

The Others remained silent, unmoved by her plea. Derry's eyes locked onto hers, their scars pulsating in unison.

I can feel you, Derry. Stay calm. Don’t be scared. You helped me, now I’ll help you.

She tried to convey reassurance, to silence the storm brewing within him.

We can get through this. She released the silent message through her scars, hoping he would sense it. All she could feel was his fear radiating through the connection, turbulent emotions threatening to drown him.

Focusing on his features, his button-nose, his sleek white hair, his wide blue piercing eyes, and thin frame, she took him in.

Look at me, Derry, look deep inside.

Yet, his emotions were unpredictable, and she felt him spiraling into anger.

No! Keep it together; stay calm!

The scars on her neck throbbed violently, their connection straining under his inner turmoil. Nour's attempt to soothe him wasn’t enough, as she could feel his fear, his anger, intensifying.

The older man spoke, “You’re not going anywhere, you are our key to getting out, or so I’ve heard.”

“Kendall told you?” Nour asked, frowning as curiosity welled insider her. “Did she also tell you about her plan to murder me? She said she’d take a few others, alter them, and leave everyone else behind.”

Her question was met with silence. The young guard on the other side of Derry tensed, but otherwise didn’t move. Nor did any of the others.

Interesting. But of course, they won’t believe me.

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