Chapter 1
The last screams had faded into the night under firelight. During the night, bombs lit up the sky, booming and echoing with the sounds of clashing weapons.
But now, as the sun fights to rise, those on horseback flee the shambles. Overseeing the remains of a city, blood stains the streets where hooves had stampeded, dodging littered bodies and damage in the road. As they leave the debris behind, a figure stands at the highest peak, watching the plight flee to the horizon.
To that same sunrise, she stirs. At the sun's first rays, her eyes open to her muted gray ceiling where light dabbles over. Sighing, she pushes off the creaking mattress, facing the window. Unlike the view of the sun after battle, this rise is without fight, given as it has always been given. This supposed grace brings a smile to her face before she rises to start her day.
She absently flicks on the TV as she passes to her closet. Her work uniform hangs haphazardly on a hanger, and she slips it off before setting it on her bed as she changes.
"Rebel forces to the east raided the city of Radon late last night, in what turned to be a savage massacre of Royal forces and citizens alike. "
She pauses in buttoning up her shirt at the news, staring at the blank face of the newscaster on screen.
"This is the third raid by the rebellion forces in the past week, second of which where there seemed to be little or no survivors. Today, delegates will meet in the_"
She reaches over and turns off the television again, leaving her to finish changing in silence. She crosses the room to her counter, shoving a piece of bread in the toaster. As she waits, she slips on her shoes, tying slower than usual in her thought. Her stomach still churns at the thought of the third raid that the rebels had initiated against the Royal Army.
What a bunch of cowards. She sharply finishes her shoelace and sits up straight. Can't even bother to fight right. If they were certain of victory, then they should fight in the light.
Her toast pops, ending her rant to herself. She reaches across, eating the piece of bread while she searches the countertop.
Where's my nametag…?
Oh. There it is; right behind her cup of writing utensils. She grabs it, seeing her name emboldened in all caps: PAIGE. She fits on her shirt, before casting a quick glance at her reflection. Then, she grabs her coat and keys before closing and locking the door to her apartment behind her.
The city is slowly starting into its morning swing, with shops opening to the sounds of talk shows and static laughter. As she passes the electronic store, she waves to the owner. He notices her, and gives a short wave before turning on one of the televisions, which begins a weather report concerning the chances of rain in the coming days.
The familiar background noise soothes her previous anger over the news report from earlier that morning. The rebellion would face justice for what they did. It's what their leader, Clu, had promised, and she knows him to be a man of his word. After all, he already done so much for her….even if he didn't know it. Someday, she would thank him. She just knows it.
The restaurant is a short walk from Paige's apartment, and its small, nearly conforming design compared to the buildings on either side has made her forget its presence once or twice already. However, she remembers today as she swoops around the back alley to the employee entrance. She slips in the steel doors, and when it slams surely shut behind her, she slips off her jacket. As she hangs it on the hook, she notes that she has not been noticed...yet. Of course, she would know the instant she was spotted by the echoing bellow of her name. However, as she clocks in, she realizes that there are few in the kitchen as it is, and none of them have even glanced up to her. Slowly setting back her card, she grabs her apron and slips it on, searching each hunched figure and face scrunched in concentration.
"There you are." The hiss in her ear and the sudden grip on her arm catches her off-guard, and she turns to the ruddy-faced woman merely inches away from her. Her grip is that of death, and Paige struggles to hold a steady gaze. "Why couldn't have you shown up sooner?"
"I'm already early_"
"Have you not been listening to the news? Or anything?"
"I'm sorry, what_"
"The general of the Royal army and his advisers are coming here in any minute now!" Her boss lets go of her arm and waves her off.
Paige merely stares at her in shock. "The Royal army? Here?"
"Yes, where else? Now get moving!"
Paige nods quickly, rushing off the front of the building to make sure each spot is to perfection. After all, this could be her chance to show her thanks.