Enclave

Chapter One

Four years have passed since the liberation of Steelton. O'Connor Valley has since lived in a time of peace. The Republic Commonwealth has formed between the colonies O'Connor, Queen's Island, Selena's Strip Mall, and the newly constructed Steelton Alliance built in the suburbs of the Steelton Federation. But peace is not guaranteed, no, not in this world.

In the tranquil town of O'Connor, nestled amidst rolling hills and lush greenery, life carried on in a semblance of normalcy. The quaint streets bustled with activity as townsfolk went about their daily routines, the vibrant chatter mingling with the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. But beneath the facade of tranquility, a palpable tension lingered in the air—a silent reminder of the shadows that lurked just beyond the horizon.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the sleepy town, a sudden explosion shattered the calm of the evening, sending shockwaves rippling through the peaceful streets. Windows rattled in their frames as a plume of smoke billowed into the sky, casting dark shadows upon the serene landscape.

Cassie's heart leaped into her throat as she emerged from the safety of her home, her senses on high alert as she scanned the horizon for signs of danger. She held her breath in her chest as she caught sight of the rising smoke, her mind racing with a thousand possibilities. Was it an accident? A deliberate act of sabotage? Or something far more sinister?

Cassie sprang into action, her instincts guiding her through the chaos that unfolded around her. She moved with purpose, her footsteps quick and determined as she made her way towards the source of the explosion, her heart pounding in her chest with each passing moment.

As she rounded a corner, her eyes widened in shock at the scene that unfolded before her. The once-peaceful streets were now a scene of chaos and destruction, the air thick with the scent of burning debris and the wail of sirens in the distance. People ran in every direction, their panicked shouts mingling with the sound of crumbling buildings and falling debris.

With a sense of urgency coursing through her veins, Cassie pushed through the throng of people, her gaze fixed upon the source of the explosion. And there, amidst the chaos and destruction, she caught sight of a familiar figure—a lone figure standing amidst the wreckage, their silhouette illuminated by the flickering flames.

Without hesitation, Cassie rushed towards them, her heart pounding in her chest as she called out their name. And as she drew closer, she felt a wave of tension rush over her. The figure turned, it was her mother-only this time she was melting from the flames around her.

"Mom!" Cassie yelled out. She reached for her mother's hand but Joan slipped deeper into darkness, falling right through Cassie's fingers.

As the echoes of the explosion faded into the recesses of her mind, Cassie's eyes snapped open, her chest heaving with the remnants of adrenaline-fueled panic. Beads of sweat dotted her brow, her skin clammy against the cool night air. She blinked rapidly, trying to shake off the vivid dream that had jolted her from her slumber.

With a trembling hand, she pushed back the tangle of damp hair that clung to her forehead, her heart still racing in her chest. She took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to steady her nerves as the nightmare lingered like a heavy fog in her mind.

Beside her, Connor stirred, his movements slow and deliberate as he roused from his own restless sleep. His eyes softened with concern as he reached out to gently rub her back, his touch a soothing balm.

"Cassie?" His voice was soft, laced with worry as he leaned closer, his gaze searching hers for any sign of distress.

Cassie turned to him, her breath still coming in ragged gasps as she met his gaze, her eyes wide with residual fear. "It was just a dream," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she pressed her hands against her face, trying to banish the lingering echoes of the nightmare.