Origins: Adam by N.E. Michael

Author:N.E. Michael [Michael, Noah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Asteron Press LLC
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

The Hunt

Grayling, Michigan

June 21, 2091

11:02 p.m.

“I am curious,” the Chief asked from the front seat as Serana sped down the streets of Michigan. “Will you be breaking your sacred rules today, or will I be facing this enemy alone?”

Serana sighed, focusing on the road ahead.

“I suppose exceptions can be made to kill a creature which was never meant to live,” she scowled.

“Good enough for me,” the Chief responded. “I promise not to tell your superiors.”

He turned to look at her, gazing curiously at her dark features and cryptic glare, unable to discern any thought or emotion from within her eyes.

“I have never met a Shadow living out of the Kingdom,” the Chief remarked. “You are a mystery to me, Serana.”

“Good,” Serana replied bluntly. “That means I haven’t ruined my entire mission, at least.”

The Chief chuckled, shaking his head.

“You have the Shadow spirit, that much is certain. What will it take for me to hear your story?”

“While I am flattered you find me so intriguing,” Serana said sharply, “your curiosity is distracting. If you haven’t forgotten, our allies are in grave danger.”

“Your allies,” the Chief corrected her, his voice rising with passion, “but my friends. That is the difference between us, Serana. You think I am not worried about them? It is my fault they are out there. They were following my commands! And although it is their duty to keep me safe, they know that I would die for them, and we are stronger for it. The Shadow Kingdom is the most powerful Enlai nation on this planet. Not because we are better trained or more numerous, but because we are a family. Getting to know your ally, growing close to them, is not a distraction. It is a strength.”

Serana remained quiet, contemplating the Chief’s words. She’d noticed a tinge of longing in his voice when he’d uttered the word family. She glanced at the warrior, gazing at his broad, muscular build and his firm, authoritative features. Beneath the fierce glare and battle-scars, she saw a man, a handsome one even, with dark eyes hiding wells of emotion.

“You may find me mysterious,” she said finally, her voice warmed with sudden compassion, “but I believe that you are the one with the real story to tell.”

“My story is a long and painful one,” the Chief sighed, gazing out the windshield. “Take it from a man who had lost everything—do not be so quick to push people away, especially family.”

“Perhaps it is natural for me since I never had one,” Serana said. “Where I’m from, children are taken from their parents at a young age. We are trained by society to fulfill a predetermined role, and never experience anything other than it.”

“That is cruel,” the Chief said, shaking his head disapprovingly.

“It is efficient,” Serana replied. “And when you don’t know what else there is, I suppose there is nothing to miss.”

“Are you allowed to grow close to others, to love?”

For some reason, the question struck a sensitive spot in Serana’s heart, and she blushed.

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