Rise of the Dead | I

Ten years after the battle at Single Oak, the four groups of Oregon are still reeling from its after effects. Territory lines were drawn and stories have been told, those who were heroes once are legends now. In order to avoid new conflicts, solstice gatherings between the groups' leaders were organized-but will they be enough?

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Phoenix has grown up only ever knowing two things. One, her group and fathers are the saviors of Oregon. Two, The Reaper's are not to be trusted. So when a mysterious stranger rescues her after a hunting trip gone wrong turns out to be none other than her mortal enemy she begins to wonder, are they all as bad as they seem?

The death of Stephan has begun to deteriorate The Reaper's from the inside out. Infighting over who should be their next leader has created countless seasons of lacking supplies and structure. A lack of prey follows a famine. Strong leadership is in order and although Gerald can provide it, debate and rumors are spread about his chosen companion-Aleu, Stephan's once respected apprentice, now glued to his side in a relationship they never wanted-with no say in the matter.

The only person who The Reaper's can put their hope into is Hawk, their new general, a powerful man willing to do anything to keep his group thriving. Hawk is torn between keeping his group safe and his own ambition, Aleu is tortured with a constricting life they hate and Phoenix wonders if she can truly trust her new acquaintances.

Now the three must make a decision. Will pushing aside the past and working together to make peace be worth turning their backs on their groups or is blood the only cure for the misdeeds of the past?

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Story rating: 17+

Content warnings: Childhood trauma, subtext of grooming, strong language, violence and gore

This can hypothetically be read as a stand alone but it's recommended to read the original series first.