Hostile Equanimity

Chapter 1

I sit at the edge of the canyon, peering at the swirling water foaming against the jagged rocks below. The roar is deafening, but the noise barely penetrates my thoughts. Massive midnight clouds roll over the full moon, enveloping the night in darkness. I rest my head on my knees, my dark curls tumbling out over my bare skin. Chill bumps rise up on my flesh as a cool breeze flutters through the air, carrying the malodorous scents from Zone 19's outskirts. I close my eyes, drifting off with a comforting familiarity.

* * *

The snapping of a twig jolts me from my light sleep. I am sprawled out in the moist grass, my mouth hanging slightly open. Fear strikes me as I realize how careless I have been. With a gasp, I grope for my silver handled knife, but I am caught off guard, defenseless. Through the mask of black engulfing the night, I can barely make out the figure of a tall man. Though thin, I can tell he is strong by the muscles bulging from his neck, arms, and thick legs. The moon peeks from behind a corner of one of the monster clouds, casting silver rays over the figure. The moonlight reflects from his blonde hair, matted by grime. His slightly bronzed skin seems to glow, and his warm grey eyes glisten.

I spring from the ground, racing towards the man, hands outsretched. I shove him hard, setting an enfuriated expression on my strained face as I cross both arms over my chest.

"Damn it, Luke!" I scream, "What's your problem?!?"

He just laughs, shaking his head softly as he wraps his strong arms around my trembling shoulders. I stuggle, but quickly find my attempts are useless. Relaxing, I lean against his chest until he lets go.

"Didn't mean to scare you, Gia, but you shouldn't nap out here," Luke scolds. "Especially since 'here' is the middle of a war zone, where you also happen to be alone."

"I'm not a baby," I roll my eyes. "There's no reason to treat me like one."

He snatches my wrist, yanking me closer to him. The sweat from his damp skin billows up in clouds, the acrid scent enfolding the air with its stinge. I pinch his cheek playfully, before twisting out of his grip, sauntering back towards the jagged canyon.

"You're not a baby," Luke remarks, "but you are my little sister, and it's my duty to protect you."

I can barely percieve his masculine voice over the surge of foaming water, but I apprehend enough to make me smile. Luke isn't my brother, but we've been best friends since I was eight.

"What makes you think you can protect me," I tease. "You're only two years older than me. Two years, Luke! Nineteen!"

He chuckles softly, the sound forcing its way from his arid throat, but I notice a flash of anguish in his misty eyes. I discount the brief sorrow, stumbling forward, my narrow fingers encasing his. He beams, and together we trod away from the canyon, swallowed by darkness.