L69. Farewell

Dawn arrived too soon.

Paz did not return to the barracks. Carrying only his belongings, he sneaked stealthily to a hidden cave near the hill.

The thought of the girl's gentle eyes put a bit of pep in Paz's step.

Finally, the hill upon which they had promised to meet was before him.

If fate were alive, it would be an innocent yet cruel child.

One cannot blame fate; it was not malice. It was just not meant to be.

A flicker of cruelty flashed through Fate's narrowed eyes. What future had Fate ordained for the two lovers that caught his attention?

"No!" cried Paz. Before him were pools of scarlet blood. The girl's brother, badly wounded, struggled toward Paz.

"My sister... Lizzie... save... her..." With the last of his strength, the brother pointed toward the bug barracks, then fell limp.

Paz felt his blood beginning to boil.

* Continue to the next chapter