The Cards We're Dealt || ONC'25

"This virus is not just a disease. It is a force of nature. And it is learning."

In the ashes of this new world, Lena must prove that her humanity isn't lost. Not yet. But the clock is ticking.

A letter stained with blood. A child whose life she saved, now holding the hand of the one who lost everything. A cure that exists only because she gave up everything.

Extract:

The pain in my shoulder is unbearable, but I focus on the child. She's frozen in place, eyes wide with terror.

"Hey," I say, my voice rough. "You're safe now."

She doesn't respond, too afraid to trust me. I reach down to pull her to her feet. But as I stand, the bite burns, spreading like wildfire. Dizziness clouds my vision. I know I don't have much time.

I glance at the door. Ethan and Maya are waiting, but I know what I have to do.

"You guys go," I say, my voice sharp. "I'll handle it here."

Ethan hesitates. "Lena, no-"

"I said go!" I snap, golden light flashing in my eyes. The hunger rises in me, but I push it down.

I kneel before the child, softening for just a moment.

"You'll survive," I tell her. "Run. Don't look back."