After their successful prison escape, Ray, Emma, and the other Grace Field children above the age of five venture out into the new world that they know nothing about.
✦ What will they possibly encounter in this world ruled by demons - and demons alo...
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With two steaming bowls of soup cradled in her hands and a freshly sliced loaf of bread balanced atop them, Emma called out to Theo with a warm, inviting smile. "Theo," she smiled, "Let's eat together."
Theo returned her smile and nodded, his eyes reflecting gratitude, "Emma."
She carefully handed one of the bowls to him and settled down beside him on the rough ground, a makeshift dining arrangement in their hidden refuge. Emma leaned in slightly, her concern evident in her voice. "Did you manage to sleep last night?"
Theo's gaze shifted downward for a moment as he contemplated her question, "...Kinda. Violet was here during the night,"
"Oh." Emma's lips pursed in understanding as she recalled Violet's reputation for volatile behavior.
Theo clutched a piece of bread in his trembling hands, his voice quivering as he spoke, "Everyone's like me here, huh — that's when I realized it — it's not just me." He said, "Everyone lost their family. They're all sad, bitter–and angry."
"I'm so angry... even when I had the axe in my hand, I wasn't able to do anything. And what's more, that monster was laughing..." Theo's voice cracked as he cried out his frustration.
Emma, sitting with her knees pulled up to her chest, felt the weight of Theo's pain like a physical force. She couldn't help but empathize with his anguish.
"I want all of this to be over!"
"We can do it." Emma reached out to reassure him, her own voice tinged with determination, "No matter how scary the enemy — even if they throw us in hell, we will rise."
Theo stared at Emma, awe and admiration in his eyes.
Oliver took his place at the center of the small village, positioning himself so that everyone could hear him, "Everyone, listen to us! We have a plan!"
He was about to unveil their strategy to the anxious group when, suddenly, music began to play, startling everyone present.
"...The music?" Oliver uttered in disbelief, furrowing his brow. "What's happening? This is too soon–it's only been one day!"
"Why?" Paula asked, her confusion mirroring that of the others.
Gillian scanned the surroundings with a bewildered expression, "No way!"
Amid the mounting tension, Oliver's voice broke through the chaos, "The poachers are coming! All of you, grab your weapons and get into your positions!" His orders spurred the group into action. Some hurriedly grabbed the younger children, leading them to a hidden and secure location.
