Not Just A Bite

Chapter 1: What We Are

Only trust me, myself & I.

That's the first rule you learn as an Unstationed in The Inner. You can't trust anyone because when it comes down to saving themselves or you against one of The Unholy or an Infected or even another Unstationed, they'll save themselves.

Let's face it, you look out for you and you only. If you look out or trust other people, even your own flesh and blood, you'll either be betrayed or heartbroken. You can't save everyone so get over your little 'let's save the world' act and face the real world. This is it. It doesn't get any better.

Those were the words Lucian told me when my parents were taken by The Unholy one night 8 years ago. They were trying to find food for me, their poor, starving, Unstationed daughter. Unstationed humans don't get food rations because we aren't 'registered'. Registered humans were named the Stationed and every day were given a food supply for that day based on their weight and age.

I know what you're thinking, why aren't you registered? You see, there's always a downside to things. The downside to being a Stationed is that every time the bloodsuckers feel like a snack, you become a personal feed bag for The Unholy.  The name 'Unholy'  coming from the biblical humans who believe in Him. The Unholy were vampires, the ones with the thirst for human blood and pointy teeth. Vicious creatures who rule over The Inner and control everyone in it.

Well, everyone that's Stationed.

The Unholy know that Unstationed humans are out there, but there is so many Stationed that they don't really care. You can tell Stationed and Unstationed apart though. Stationed humans have these tribal tattoos around their wrists. Little dots and lines cover at least 5 centimetres of their left wrists, the mark of the Master.

Unstationed humans obviously don''t have these marks, which is why it's so dangerous for us to be out at night. Some Unholy's like to hunt at night, something about the chase that exhilirates them.

Never go out at night without someone else and a weapon.

That's the second rule of living in The Inner as an Unstationed.

Some Unstationed have groups, a clique. These groups live together, hunt together. You get the picture. The groups can range from 2 people to 20. You don't want  your group too big though, you don't want to attract unwanted attention from anyone. If you're a threat, you're gone.

Being Unstationed is dangerous, I'll admit that. It's our choice though. Either become part of the bloodbags and never have to worry about danger or  be in danger, but not controlled by the bloodsuckers. You've seen what I've chosen.

Lucian is the leader of our group. He took me in when my parents were taken. No one knows what happens when The Unholy captures Unstationed humans, all we know is that they never come back. Lucian makes sure we are safe, have food and aren't in danger.

Theres 5  of us. There used to be  7, but Marco and Julie were taken last month. That's what we assume anyway.  They were both 19 and had been in Lucian's care for around 2 years longer than me.  I grew close to both of them in the 8 years I spent with them, but when they didn't come back that night, I didn't cry. As Lucian said 8 years ago;

You look out for you and only you.

~~

I'm actually really excited to get this book underway so make sure to tell me what you think!

- Erin

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