8. The Watchtower

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Devi cursed. Melchior had destroyed everything. Devi tried, scrabbling around for even a hand-hold walkie talkie. How she missed the old days, of mobile phones and texting – back then it was so easy to call for help. Now, in their post-apocalyptic world– she was understanding the appeal of the carrier pigeon.

"Damn it!" She cursed. It was no use. There was nothing she could use to signal the Watch Towers for help.


Ryder quickly laced up his shoes, fully dressed now. The clothes were Melchior's and were a tight fit, the material going taunt across Ryder's wide shoulders. He heard Devi crashing about upstairs, guessing from the racket she was making that she wasn't having much success. Furtively, Ryder flexed his fingers – attempting to conjure blue fire. Nothing happened. His powers continued to elude him. Sighing in defeat, he pushed back his damp yellow hair away from his eyes.


Devi came galloping down the stairs.

"He's wrecked the lot." She told him. "We should head for the nearest Watch Tower and use their radio."

Ryder wasn't thrilled by this plan. He disliked the idea of putting himself at the mercy of vampires. But Devi was already sweeping past him. She pulled a trench coat off the hook and quickly donned it on as she headed for the door. "Come on."


Resigned, Ryder made to follow. Devi opened the door and stepped out. She froze after just one step – her body going rigid. Ryder stiffened also, they'd both just heard the click of a mechanism. Looking down, Devi swallowed nervously. She was standing on a land mine. If she took her foot off, even a little bit, then it would activate. And she'd be blown to pieces.

"Crevan?" She spoke in a whisper, not even daring to turn her head to face him. 


"Yes, I see it." He edged slowly passed her through the doorway – being careful where he stepped. Getting around her, he crouched at Devi's feet. 

"Can you disarm one of these?" She asked. Ryder shook his head. Devi sniffled. Melchior had left it- meaning that he was prepared to kill them. It pretty much confirmed Ryder's theory. 

"Crevan, you need to go."

Ryder opened his mouth to argue but Devi spoke over him. "You need to stop Melchior, please it's ok – I'll... I'll just wait here. Maybe you'll be able to get help." She didn't risk saying anything more, her voice was too shaky. 


If she changed her weight even slightly – the thing would explode. Ryder straightened up and stared at Devi. "Go, Crevan. Saving the city is more important right now. You need to stop Melchior." 

Ryder's gaze was tortured. "What is it?" 

"You're reminding me of her." 

"Of who?" 

"Lauren." He reached out and gently cupped Devi's face. 


"Crevan," Devi's voice was filled with warning. He shouldn't be touching her - the slightest thing might trigger the device. 

Ryder gasped suddenly. Fire, he could feel fire in his fingertips. His powers! He uncurled his fingers and shot ice down at the ground – freezing the mechanism. It worked. Elated, he seized Devi's arms and pulled her toward him. 


Devi screamed, loosing balance in her panic and bringing Ryder down with her. They landed in a heap on the ground and Devi buried her face against Ryder's chest – her body tense. Ready for the explosion. But it never came. 

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