The Last Dawn

Exserts

The pain was unbearable. 

My hand hung limply at my side, throbbing with every step. Blood trickled down from the gash on my forehead blurring my vision. I limped, leaning heavily on Evie, who struggled to support my weight with her tiny frame.

"Nova, we have to keep moving," she whimpered, her voice trembling.

I tried to stay upright, but my body was failing me. My legs buckled, and we crashed to the ground, my knees scraping against the rough pavement. Evie cried out, tears streaming down her face as she tried to lift me. I could feel my weight dragging her down, and it broke my heart.

"Please, Nova, we have to go," she pleaded, her tears falling onto my face.

I tried to push myself up, but my strength was gone. I slumped against the cold, hard wall, the rough surface digging into my back. My vision was fading in and out, the world around me spun, the edges of my sight darkening. I could barely make out the two figures approaching us, their movements fluid and unhurried.

"No... Evie, run," I gasped, my voice barely more than a whisper.

Evie shook her head, her eyes wide with terror. "No, I can't leave you!" She clung to me, her small hands gripping my shoulders. I tried to push her away, but my strength was fading fast. My vision tunneled, the world around me narrowing to a single point of light. The figures were getting closer; they knew I couldn't fight anymore. They knew I was at their mercy.

"Go... now," I choked out. Evie stumbled to her feet, her body trembling. She took a hesitant step back, her eyes never leaving mine. "I-I love you," she whispered. Evie turned and ran, her small form disappearing into the darkness. But she didn't get far. One of the figures moved with blinding speed, capturing her effortlessly. Her scream pierced the night, a sound of pure terror that echoed in my ears.

"No..." I breathed, my heart breaking. The world still spun around me, the pain and exhaustion pulling me under.

"Nova! Get up! Please, get up!" 

"Evie..." I reached out weakly, my fingers brushing the cold, dirty ground. I couldn't let this happen. I couldn't let them get her.  I attempted to push myself up again, but my limbs where numb, as if I were paralyzed. My body wouldn't respond. I was too weak, too broken. 

My vision continued to fade. The exhaustion too deep. I could feel myself slipping away, the darkness pulling me. I failed. I failed to keep her safe. The one promise I made to her, and I couldn't keep it. I'm so sorry, Evie. I'm so sorry... 

"I'm s-sorry," I whispered, my voice barely audible. Evie's sobs grew louder, her pleas more frantic. The last thing I saw was her being taken, her terrified eyes meeting mine.

"Evie..." I whispered one last time before the darkness claimed me.

The cold embrace of unconsciousness was a cruel relief, swallowing me whole as the world around me disappeared.