The Rouges

calm my racing heart. This was how I awoke every morning, every morning since my parents died. After years I managed to restrain the sc

n. There were still hours until dark. I knew I would have to stock up more food bef

om needing something else to distract my mind, books always proved a good source of trade. Those few of us who defied the Tribes kept to ourselves and stayed quiet. We never gathered, nor really ever trusted one another. But when goods ran scarce, trades were not un

o carry books. My revolver lay on the mattress in its holster. I eyed it, speculating if it was needed. I always took it with me outside or to hunt for food, but no one ever came in the library an

s. But like usual, the building was empty. After nearly ten minutes of crawling, I saw light shinin

hin

rows, my keen eyes looking for any trace of movement, foreign color or moved shelving. Nothing had changed since

d books. It smelled like aged paper, and earth from the destroyed floors below. I loved that smell

swept up with sexual desires and passion. I didn't believe in love, it was a wasted emotion that could get you killed. People did foolish things in

y it made more sense to take from the dead; after all it wasn't like they would be using anything any more. But the thought made me nauseous, reminding me too much of

ving on to the fiction section. I loved this section the most. The books here provided an escape, a place to let my mind wander free and find friends. Not real friends, but friends I could care about without having to commit to. Once I had ope

I recognized or titles that called to me. Upon finding one of interest I would pull it from the shelf and read the back cover or the first few pages. Anything of interest

their way toward me, sp

ar I heard some

for nothing, I swear I wil

turned to me, the black leather of their coats splattered in red. Both men were hulking in size, my head probably even with their chests. The taller one had a red mohawk with feathers dangling from it. The

age

o safety was nearly five rows over across the aisle; there was no way to make it there without

em taunted, his gruff voi

led with

with the mohawk motioned for them to spilt off. My ears began to ring as they moved to either side of my row and progressed towards me. I was

n out, we won't hurt you."

ied before they broke into

orner, I swung my body over the top pressing myself flat against the metal surface. All they had to do was

ave a chance of outrunning the other. I stared at the vent several aisles over. I could jump the gaps easily and stick to the shelf tops, but only if they didn

re. I feel it." The m

Aim for the eye, aim for the eye I reminded myself. As my wrist twitch

out hesitation I sprang to my feet and sprinted across the bookshelves as they disappeared. My feet slid on the dusty surfaces, but managed to keep their purchase. Another crash emitted from the floor below.

hey're still up here!" A voice

and pulled myself inside. As I yanked the grate closed I drew my face back from the light, wa

IS HERE

While I didn't want to watch I also knew moving wasn't an option. One sound and they would surely fire a round in the ceiling just for fun. Closing my eyes I pressed my face to the cool metal and covered my ears. The sound of colliding flesh wasn't entirely drowned o

in, specks of raw white flesh were visible under the flowing blood. I took a deep breath and let my head fall against the wall.I had been so stupid, so careless. I was getting too comfortable and it nearly cos

rememb

fallen when it did. I was sure it was a part of the building caving in or rotted ceiling tiles cra

ivid reminder to stay vigilant. Carefully, I wrapped my leg to staunch the bleeding. The cut was not deep, but skin over shallow bone seemed t

nds were frightening when they touched you, but her medicines were good. I would have to find food and herbs to trade with her. And unfortunately, there was only one place I could procure both

n if it broke all of my rules. Mentally I went through my list searching for an easily accessible safe house. The school. It was some kind of an educational housing in the Old World. It was filled with aband

have? Break the system or risk being exposed during the daylight? Neither was a great option, but one was more likely to end up w

watch. Darkne

ety, I holstered it again and took a deep breath. Moving more carefully now, I crawled into the

*

ever

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