Prologue

Lyric Yume

I sat in the chair with my arms tied behind. There was no escape. Faces flashed before my eyes. My real mother, my real father, mom adopted family, Arya, Shade, Garcia, and repeating the most were Cain and Rayne. They shared so much, their onyx eyes and black hair, even though Rayne's was raven.

I'm sorry... I wanted to tell all of them that. My family, real and foster. My best friend and her lover. Even my annoying escort who I had grown to care for. Even Cain who I had hated so much before that now in my own way I loved. And most of all Rayne...he may be four years younger but I loved him with all my heart.

I felt tears run down my face mixing with the blood that was already trailing their own paths down my face. If I gave up and just told them what they wanted and gave my loyalty back to the president I wouldn't have to suffer like this.

But I was the one who had decoded all the rebels information. That information would lead to all my friends and who would be captured and tortured in turn for rebelling, and then killed. I couldn't let that happen. I would give my life for all of theirs.

In response every bruise and cut I had suffered in the past few days ached inn a symphony of pain that wracked through my body as I sat in the chair with my head bowed. Then I heard their voices, each one offering me a bit of encouragement.

We believe in you, My foster family murmured together in my ear.

You've grown Lyric... My mother started

We know you can do it. My father finished.

I believe in you Ly! Arya encouraged.

A lady is strong and doesn't give up. Especially a beautiful one like you. Garcia reprimanded.

Are you going to give up so easily? Shade challenged.

Don't cry or apologize. Its for the weak. We'll see you again. Cain said in his usual manner.

Lyric...I love you...don't give up. I swear we'll be together again. Rayne reassured me.

They were right. I shouldn't give up. I wouldn't give up. No matter what. I would take all this if it would shield them.

"Well?" The tall man slapped me sending my head to the side and an instant shock of pain. "Do you agree?"

I looked up at him and glared straight into his eyes, "Go to hell."

Then I waited for the pain I knew would be coming. It came harder, as me and the chair were thrown across the room and slammed into the wall. I didn't cry out. I continued glaring at the man through the screen of my black hair.

"Would you like to rethink your answer?" He stared down at me.

"Yeah." I spat, "Go f*** yourself."

His foot hit me in the chest and I my vision became blurry.

I'm sorry everyone...

I blacked out.