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A gentle spring breeze softly pulled back the lace curtains through an open window, allowing warm light to bathe the room. High-pitched little cries echoed, sounds heralding a happy event.
"It's a girl, congratulations." the nurse said with a smile, handing over the newborn swaddled in a pink blanket.
The baby was gently placed in her mother's arms while he was still crying, his tiny fists clenched.
"Hush, Mommy's here." she murmured, holding him tenderly against her heart, a tear of joy rolling down her cheek.
The little baby then gently calmed down, as if he felt his mother's reassuring presence and that everything would be okay. A young boy with bright eyes watched the scene, utterly amazed, admiring the peaceful face of this child who was now sleeping serenely. His mother spoke tenderly to him, seeing his hesitation to approach.
"Come closer, Ray, come say hello to your little sister." she said in a soft and encouraging voice.
Listening to his mother, he timidly stepped forward, gently caressing his sister's tiny hand. Surprisingly, as if she felt his presence despite sleeping, she gripped his finger with unexpected strength. Meanwhile, his father wrapped his arms around his partner, hugging her affectionately, grateful for this precious gift that was their second child.
"Welcome, Mia."
Nothing is more beautiful than birth, building at the same time what is called: Family.
In the distance, through the window, one could see an almost black sky, letting through only a few scant rays of light. As far as the eye could see stretched heaps of waste and dying fields, offering a desolate landscape. Eventually, this light faded completely, giving way to total darkness.
Years passed in this deep darkness, and there one could hear breathing, a labored breath, and a voice echoing in the void.
"Don't let go of my hand!" the voice cried anxiously.
Then followed the crash of a gunshot, the dull thud of a heavy impact in the water, then a long, piercing scream filled with pain.
"Ah!"
This scream seemed to ask whose blood was staining his hands.
War is born from the desires of the powerful, and the weak have no place in it.
A poorly functioning television with twisted antennas broadcast scrambled images and crackling sound in the dimly lit living room. The faded colors of the screen projected flickering shadows on the walls.
The presenter spoke in a grave voice, his face marked by fatigue and worry. The words resonated in the room, each piece of news seeming darker than the last. The intermittent crackling of the television heightened the ambient unease, while outside, the wind whistled.
"Welcome to this news bulletin of October 3, 2225. We have just learned that a supply war has broken out in Korea, leading to the collapse of its government. France, meanwhile, is beginning to suffer shortages in certain regions, causing numerous riots. The French government has also begun a vast recruitment of soldiers, no doubt intending to wage war or protect itself from a potential invader."
"Ray, turn off the radio!" my mother shouted from the kitchen, her voice betraying a hint of worry.
"But Mom, it's the news!" I protested, shrugging.
"No buts, it's time for bed." she said, entering the living room, hands on her hips.
"But I'm 15, and you know that schools are closed." I replied, sighing.
"That's no excuse, and besides, you're not helping your sister feel reassured." she responded, casting a glance at Mia.
"No, I'm not afraid, Mom. I'm big now, you know." said Mia, her face all smiles and confident.
My mother sighed, visibly exasperated, and turned to my father who was reading the newspaper by the window.
"Charles, please, talk to Mia and Ray." she whispered, crossing her arms.
My father looked up from his newspaper, adjusted his glasses, and looked at us kindly.
"Children, do us a favor and go to bed. Tomorrow, you'll have a surprise." he said with a slight smile.
"Really, Dad?" exclaimed Mia, jumping for joy.
"Yes." he confirmed, nodding.
"Come on, let's go to bed, Ray." said Mia, pulling me by the sleeve.
"Well played, Dad!" I murmured, sighing, while following my sister toward the stairs.
My father exchanged a complicit look with my mother, who seemed to relax a bit. Following then my sister, my mind filled with curiosity about the surprise that awaited us the next day.
My name is Ray, and I'm 15 years old. I live with my family in the small village of Lue, nestled in the heart of the French countryside, in this year 2225. The streets once lively are now silent, the stone houses bear the marks of time and abandonment. The Earth and its natural resources have been exploited for far too long by humans without considering the consequences. The majestic forests that once surrounded our village have been decimated, the clear rivers are now polluted, and the air has become heavy, laden with harmful particles that make breathing difficult.
Populations around the world are severely suffering from this growing lack of resources; several wars have already broken out for control of the last reserves of drinking water, food, and raw materials. But now, a total war awaits us, an imminent planetary threat looming like a sinister shadow over humanity. We had already undergone several major energy crises that disrupted our way of life, forcing us to adopt drastic measures to survive.
Renewable energies, once bearers of hope and renewal, no longer suffice to meet our ever-growing needs. The giant wind turbines dominating the hills turn slowly, the solar panels are often covered with dust and pollution, considerably reducing their efficiency. Most nuclear weapons had even been dismantled to recover their radioactive fuel and attempt to quench our insatiable thirst for energy. Meanwhile, populations continued to grow over the years, worsening an already precarious and tense situation.
The current distress, due to the cruel lack of food, energy, and major environmental problems, gave rise in 2220, in Europe, to a political party advocating the gathering of all European countries to make a common front in the face of this unprecedented crisis. This party, conveying a message of unity, collective strength, and renewal, seduced many citizens exhausted by deprivations and ambient chaos. Very quickly, it gained popularity, sweeping away old political structures, came to power, and after five years, formed what was called "the Empire."
France, for its part, stubbornly refused to join, preferring to keep its independence, culture, and deeply rooted democratic values. But the Empire was actually the work of an influential and mysterious family: the Von Kaisers. The man at the head of this powerful family was named Grégor Von Kaiser, an enigmatic and charismatic character whose ambitions seemed limitless.
Grégor Von Kaiser was known for his fiery speeches and his ability to manipulate crowds. Rumors were rife about his true intentions. Some said he sought to establish total domination over Europe, even the entire world, using the crisis as a pretext to consolidate his power. Others claimed he possessed secret technology capable of solving the energy crisis but reserved it for those who would submit to his authority.
In our village of Lue, anxiety was growing. People gathered in the marketplace, whispering fears about the uncertain future. My family and I tried to live day by day, cultivating our small garden to subsist, listening apprehensively to the news on the radio and the worn-out TV. Each day brought its share of bad news, and the shadow of the Empire seemed to extend inexorably toward us.
"Come on, Ray!" my sister shouted impatiently from the bottom of the stairs.
"Okay, I'm coming!" I replied, reluctantly closing my book before joining her.
In the living room, our mother watched the scene with a tender smile. She turned to our father, who was sitting in his worn armchair near the unlit fireplace.
"They still have that joy of life and carefreeness." she said to him, her eyes shining with sweet nostalgia.
"I envy them so much," he replied, nodding slowly. "We are already living with difficulty, and it's going to get even worse until it becomes hell. Our small town is also starting to lack food; the fields that provided a bit for our survival were pillaged a week ago." he added gravely.
He sighed deeply, his gaze lost toward the window where the moon could be seen veiled by clouds.
"We are one of the greatest agricultural powers, but it's impossible for us to feed an entire population while being deprived of imports from other countries, not to mention thefts." he remarked seriously.
"I'm so afraid for them." she confessed, overwhelmed, clasping her hands together.
"Me too, but the worst is that we can do nothing except pray that they will be strong." he replied, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Come on, Emma, let's go to bed."
"You're right." she whispered, half resigned, casting one last glance toward the stairs where we had disappeared.
While our parents withdrew, my sister and I were already lying side by side in our small bedroom. The walls were decorated with drawings we had made together, and the lamp's light diffused a warm glow.
"Big brother, do you think there will be more wars?" she asked hesitantly, breaking the silence.
"Men have always fought for their survival at the expense of others." I replied, looking at her. "But if that's the case, I will give my life for you if necessary." I added without the slightest hesitation.
"You're not afraid?" she murmured, her eyes reflecting a hint of worry.
"Yes, like everyone." I admitted with a slight smile. "But when you care about something, you're ready to do anything to protect it, and you are what I want to protect," I declared with determination.
She then smiled at me, a smile that lit up her face.
"I love you, big brother." she said, squeezing my hand affectionately.
"I love you too. Come on, let's sleep to see what Dad has in store for us tomorrow." I replied, pulling the blanket over us.
"Yes." she agreed, closing her eyes.
We then both fell asleep in each other's arms, lulled by the whispers of the wind through the trees and hopes of a better tomorrow.
October 4, 2225
The next day, Mia and I woke up early, excited by the promise of the surprise our father had prepared for us. The morning sun flooded our room with its golden light, and the birds sang joyfully outside. Past noon, we finished getting ready, adjusting our clothes carefully.
"We're ready!" Mia shouted, smiling from ear to ear, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.
"Okay, let's go." our father said, looking at us with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"So, what's this surprise?" I asked, as curious as my sister while descending the porch steps.
"We parents have organized a little party." he replied, smiling, letting the mystery linger.
"Cool!" exclaimed my sister, jumping for joy.
I saw Mia's eyes light up under my gaze. It had been a long time since I had seen that spark of joy in my sister. The weight of recent events seemed to have momentarily lifted. Of course, I went to have fun with everyone. After all, it wasn't every day we had the opportunity to enjoy ourselves like this. Laughter and music echoed in the air, creating a festive atmosphere that contrasted with the prevailing gloom.
My parents and the other parents watched us from afar playing with the other children, a tender smile on their lips. They seemed to savor every moment of this welcome respite. After a few good hours of games and laughter, I came to sit next to my father, who was now alone, contemplating the horizon.
Sitting beside him, I watched the magnificent sunset painting the sky with shades of orange and purple. I observed my sister playing, her silhouette standing out against the fading light, and it was at that moment that my father began to speak to me.
"Did you have fun, Ray?" he asked in a soft voice, without turning his gaze from the landscape.
"Yes, it was really nice. Mia also had a good time. I think everyone had a good time today," I replied, smiling.
"That's true, it was a wonderful day." he said as the wind suddenly began to blow, bringing with it a sudden freshness.
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My father then looked me straight in the eyes. I discerned many emotions in his gaze, including deep sadness mixed with worry.
"Ray, our future is now uncertain." he said gravely. "You will face many trials, even after the end. I'm counting on you; you will have to be strong no matter what and take care of your sister."
"I already know that, Dad." I replied, trying to mask the anxiety rising in me.
He slowly nodded, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
"Then, so much the better." he said with a faint smile. "Let's go home."
We stood up and began to walk toward the house, the last glimmers of the day disappearing behind the hills. Silence settled between us, only disturbed by the rustling of leaves.
A family that cries together is a united family.
October 5, 2225
"We have just learned that there has been a series of attacks against the Empire, claimed by a French extremist group. Ladies and gentlemen, it is with regret that I announce that the Empire is officially declaring war on us. All men aged 18 and over must enlist without delay. Buses will come to pick you up tomorrow morning all over the country." announced the radio and television.
The next day
The morning was gray, the sky covered with heavy clouds reflecting the heavy atmosphere that reigned in the house. My father, dressed in a freshly distributed uniform, stood near the door, his suitcase in hand. Mia, my little sister, rushed toward him, tears in her eyes.
"Nooo, Dad, I don't want you to go, please!" Mia was screaming with all her might, her voice broken by sobs.
My father knelt to be at her level, placing a trembling hand on her frail shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Mia, but I have to. It's also to protect you and Mom." he said, his voice trembling and eyes misty.
"No, I don't want to, I don't want to!" she kept repeating, her distress growing with each word.
My mother, pale-faced and red-eyed, approached gently.
"Sweetheart, please, take her to her room." my father whispered, almost out of strength.
"No, no, Dad, Dad!" Mia screamed as my mother gently led her away from the entrance, her cries echoing throughout the house.
Left alone with my father, the silence was heavy. He turned to me, his gaze filled with determination despite the pain visible in his eyes.
"Ray, listen, I want you to be strong, so strong that you can protect those you care about. Protect your sister and your mother in my absence. Goodbye..."
He then hugged me as tightly as he could, his embrace expressing all that words could not say. Overwhelmed by emotion, I searched for words to say to him, then they burst forth from my very being.
"Dad, what is our name?" I asked, looking him straight in the eyes.
He seemed surprised, then a glimmer of pride lit up his face.
"We are the Shafters."
I clenched my fists, determined:
"Dad, I promise you that our name will be known to all, even by the gods. I will protect Mia and Mom, I swear it!" I shouted with conviction.
A slight smile appeared on his lips.
"You will do much more than you think. I love you, my son."
The door closed behind him with a dull thud, leaving an immense void. Left alone, I heard the muffled sobs of my sister and mother upstairs.
"I love you too, Dad..." I murmured, heavy-hearted.
In the days that followed my father's departure, France became a true war zone. The sounds of explosions and sirens became part of our daily lives. Attacked and invaded by the armies of the Empire, our nation resisted as best it could. It fell after a few months, on February 5, 2226, under the overwhelming superiority of the enemy.
But as victory seemed assured for the Empire, hundreds of thousands of soldiers were deployed throughout France to ensure so-called security and suppress any attempt at rebellion. The streets were patrolled by armed soldiers, and the slightest sign of protest was severely repressed.
What happened next is something only humans are capable of: acts of cruelty and barbarism that defied comprehension.
War is a cruel game that is won only with blood.
February 7, 2226
As the rain pounded violently during the night, the drops hammering the roof like an incessant drum, the sound of an order came through the crackling of a military radio.
"All units, launch Operation Moon Eye." commanded an authoritative voice, resonating in the darkness.
"Hey, don't mess around, do it cleanly!" shouted another voice, tinged with impatience.
"Yeah, yeah, give me a break!" replied a soldier nonchalantly.
Suddenly, knocks resounded against the front door, echoing heavily in the oppressive silence of the house.
"Boom, boom!"
Inside, someone was staring intensely at a knife placed on the table, eyes lost between fear and determination. The handle turned slowly, then the door burst open, letting in a gust of icy air.
"What do you want at this hour?" my mother asked, her voice trembling, facing the menacing silhouettes standing on the threshold.
"It's just a friendly visit." replied one of the men with a sinister smile.
Suddenly, my mother was thrown back, falling heavily to the floor and breaking photo frames that adorned the hallway. We were still at the table when we saw her collapse, now lying among the glass shards. A soldier had struck her brutally.
"Mom!" my sister shouted.
Mia rushed to help our mother, who was trying to get up with difficulty, her face marked by pain.
"Looks like the whole family is gathered!" exclaimed the soldier as he entered, his gaze scanning every corner of the room.
"Please, they're only my children." pleaded my mother, her eyes filled with tears.
"I'll take good care of them, don't worry." he replied, a terrifying laugh escaping his lips.
His laughter chilled the blood. My mother, perhaps understanding the terrible fate that awaited us, threw herself at him with all her might.
"Run away quickly!" she shouted, grabbing onto his weapon.
"Ah, you filthy bitch!"
Deafening gunshots rang out, thundering through the house. I saw my mother collapse against the wall, her clothes soaking with blood that spread in a dark stain, under the horrified eyes of Mia and me.
"Mom, Mom! You killed her, you killed her!" Mia was screaming, her voice broken by sobs.
"Yes, and now it's your turn. But first, we're going to have some fun under your mother's eyes." declared the soldier, a cruel smile stretching his lips.
He stroked Mia's head with a gaze full of ill intentions, while I was frozen with fear, unable to move. I'm just a teenager; what could I do? I can't kill in cold blood, but then why did I grab this knife behind my back?
"Ray, Ray, Raaayyyy!" a voice echoed in my head.
"Dad?" I murmured, surprised.
"You made me a promise, didn't you?" continued my father's voice, clear and determined.
"You must protect your sister; you told me you were ready!"
"But I am." I replied inwardly, my heart pounding.
"Then why are you trembling? Have you forgotten?! For everything gained, something else must be abandoned. Are you going to abandon your sister and run away?"
"Never!" I silently cried out.
"Then what are you waiting for!"
It's true, for everything gained, something else must be abandoned. Dad often told us that. So I'm going to let myself be consumed by anger, this anger fueled by the image of my mother lying on the floor, of my sister about to be assaulted, and I'm going to...
"Become a murderer!" I murmured, gripping the knife so tightly that my knuckles whitened.
Determination replaced fear in my mind. I looked up at the soldier, ready to do anything to protect Mia. My heart was pounding, each beat resonating like a drum in my ears. Time seemed to have slowed down, each second stretching into infinity.
The soldier hadn't noticed me yet, too busy tormenting my sister. I took a deep breath, feeling an uncontrollable wave of anger overwhelm me. My father's words kept echoing in my head.
"Hey, you!" I called out in a voice I wanted to be firm.
The soldier turned around, surprised, a mocking sneer appearing on his face.
"Oh, the little brother wants to play hero?" he sneered.
Close to him, I didn't give him time to react. Blood spurted suddenly when the knife I was holding plunged straight into the soldier's eye, and he screamed in pain. He fell backward, and I threw myself on him, stabbing him several more times under my sister's eyes.
"Die, die, die, you filthy scum!" I screamed, my face covered in his blood.
They say that a man can become the worst of monsters if he wants to protect what he holds dear, and at that moment, there was only one thing in my mind: protect my sister!
The soldier kept screaming, to the point that it alerted his colleague.
"Damn, what's going on?" we heard from the hallway.
My hands and face now covered in blood, I took my sister's hand, who had witnessed this horrifying scene, petrified, and I hurried toward our mother.
"Mom!" Mia sobbed, her voice broken by emotion.
"My darlings..." our mother struggled to articulate, each word costing her immense effort.
"Mom, you have to get up, please!" I begged, kneeling beside her, holding her cold hand.
"Ahh... I'm sorry... I'm going to have to leave you... I... I love you, my little angels." she murmured weakly, a tear sliding down her pale cheek.
My sister and I watched our mother take her last breath, her eyes closing gently as if she were falling asleep. The silence that followed was heartbreaking, only disturbed by Mia's muffled sobs.
"Mia, we have to go quickly!" I said, panic rising in me as footsteps approached.
"No, no!" she protested, refusing to let go of our mother's hand.
I then gave her a light slap to bring her back to reality.
"Listen, I promised to protect you. Do you want to die, is that it? Do you want Mom to have died for nothing?" I said firmly, my eyes fixed on hers.
Mia replied, tears in her eyes and a sobbing voice.
"No... No..."
"Then let's go." I insisted, squeezing her hand with determination.
Mia looked one last time in our mother's direction, bidding her a final farewell.
"Goodbye... Mom, I will always love you." she murmured, her voice broken by emotion.
We then stood up, determined to flee this hell, while the footsteps of the second soldier were dangerously approaching. Heart pounding, we headed toward the back door, guided by survival instinct and the promise to protect what remained of my family.
The other soldier arrived at the doorway, his boots clacking on the damp floor. He discovered with horror the body of his colleague lying in a pool of blood, the knife still planted in his face. His gaze then turned to me as we passed through the door. My face smeared with blood, my eyes reflected a deep, almost inhuman darkness.
The soldier, seized by fear, wondered:
"Are those the eyes of a child?"
He took a few seconds to regain his composure before starting to chase us.
"Damn, get back here, you filthy brats!" he shouted, his voice echoing into the night.
Cries were ringing out everywhere in the town, mixed with distant sirens and the crash of rain that had been pouring relentlessly for over three hours. The narrow alleys were flooded, and the slippery cobblestones made our escape perilous. Despite the rain, several houses had turned into blazes. I was running with my sister, my heart ready to explode, desperately trying to escape our pursuer.
"Don't let go of my hand, and above all, don't stop, Mia!" I shouted, my voice muffled by the thunder.
The violent wind whipped our faces, the cold penetrating our soaked clothes. After running more than a hundred and fifty meters at full speed, Mia fell heavily to the ground, collapsing into the dirty water of the puddles.
"Big brother, I can't go on!" she sobbed, tears mingling with the rain on her pale cheeks.
"I know, but we have no choice!" I replied, struggling to catch my breath, my gaze scanning the darkness behind us.
The soldier was getting dangerously closer, his heavy footsteps echoing on the pavement, his silhouette outlined between flashes of lightning. Mia was exhausted, trembling with cold and fatigue.
"We don't have time anymore; I'm going to carry you." I declared with determination.
I lifted her in my arms, ignoring the pain radiating in my tired muscles. My sister's weight was light, but exhaustion threatened to overwhelm me. Despite everything, I started running again, each step taking us a little further from imminent danger. The world around us seemed to fade, reduced to the sole sound of our labored breaths and the pounding of the rain.
The dark alleys passed by, the shadows of the buildings distorted by the lightning briefly illuminating our path. My mind was focused on one thing: protect Mia at all costs. The promise made to my father echoed in my head, giving me the strength to continue despite the crushing fatigue.
"Hold on, Mia, we're almost there." I murmured, more to convince myself than her.
After about a hundred meters, with my sister on my back, I fell in turn, my legs wobbling and breath short. The rain continued to pour in torrents, making the ground slippery and treacherous. We were now on an old stone bridge, ancient and worn by time, the tumultuous waters of the river roaring below. I got up as quickly as possible, despite the pain radiating through my entire body. But the soldier had caught up with us and now had us in his sights, his weapon pointed directly at us, his gaze hard and merciless.
"You're really little brats!" he shouted, his voice resonating despite the din of the rain.
Heart pounding, I instinctively placed myself in front of Mia to protect her, raising a hand in a pleading gesture.
"It was me who killed your colleague. Kill me, but please, my sister is only ten years old!" I implored, eyes fixed on the barrel of the gun.
The soldier sketched a cruel smile, his lips stretching into a frightening grimace.
"Sorry, kid, nothing personal." he said, shrugging slightly, as if it didn't matter.
His indifference chilled me to the bone. I understood at that moment that our lives didn't matter to him. Terrified but determined, in an instinctive reflex, I held her tightly against me, attempting to jump off the bridge.
The soldier opened fire, the sound of the shot tearing through the night, even covering the roar of the river below. The impact threw us backward, and before I could realize what was happening, we were tipping over the bridge's railing. The world seemed to slow down as we fell, the rain whipping our faces, the city's lights fading as we plunged into darkness.
We plunged into the icy waters that had swollen greatly with the incessant rain. The impact with the water's surface was brutal, cutting off my breath. The powerful current was pulling us apart. Struggling to resurface, I felt my strength leaving me.
"It's dark, I'm so cold. Am I going to die? And Mia? Ah, Mia, Mia, I must protect Mia!" I thought, despair overwhelming me.
Gathering the little energy I had left, I thrashed my arms and legs, trying to reach the shore. After what seemed like an eternity, I felt the ground under my feet. I opened my eyes and realized I was lying on some kind of bank, my body numb with cold. The moon was hidden by thick clouds, offering only a faint glow that struggled to pierce the darkness.
"Mia, are you okay?" I murmured in a hoarse voice, turning my head to look for her.
Next to me, Mia was lying on the muddy ground, coughing and spitting out water. She opened her eyes, her face pale and soaked but alive.
"Yes, I'm okay, big brother." she replied, coughing, her eyes meeting mine.
Mia's voice reassured me for a moment, but the icy cold I felt soon gave way to unbearable burning sensations that coursed through my entire body. At that precise moment, I understood without a doubt what was happening to me.
"So much the better, Mia, I think I'm going to have to leave you too." I said in a weak voice, trying to mask the pain that was overwhelming me.
"What? Big brother, what are you talking about?" she exclaimed, worry showing on her face.
The dark clouds that hid the moon slowly dissipated, and the blue light of the celestial body illuminated my trembling hands and clothes soaked with blood, revealing the extent of my injuries under Mia's horrified eyes.
"No, no, big brother! It's not true!" she cried out, her voice broken by emotion.
"What a bad brother I am, to leave you now on your own." I murmured with regret, lowering my gaze.
Mia was desperately trying to press on my wounds to stop the bleeding, but it only accentuated the unbearable pain I felt, as the bullets had pierced my body.
"Mia, it's useless... I'm going to die." I said, placing a trembling hand on hers.
"You said you were going to protect me!" she protested, tears running down her pale cheeks.
"And I did." I replied softly, a faint smile on my lips.
"No! I want you to protect me all my life, do you hear me!" she cried out, her distress growing.
"Unfortunately, that won't be possible... maybe in another life." I murmured, feeling my strength leaving me.
"No, no, no!" she repeated, shaking her head desperately.
"Listen carefully to your big brother's last words. From now on, you'll have to fend for yourself. Be discreet, survive. If revenge allows you to move forward, then embrace it and become strong, stronger than strength itself. This will now be our family motto. And if there are gods, make sure our name is recognized by them." I declared, with a heavy smile.
"Mia, my beloved little sister, even if I can no longer see you, even if I'm far from you, I will always be with you, I promise." I said, weakly squeezing her hand.
I felt my body giving up on me, a heavy fatigue taking over me as if death itself was gently taking me in her arms. My breath was short, each inhalation a painful effort. Observing the beautiful face of my little sister, her blue eyes filled with tears shimmering in the pale moonlight, my eyelids grew heavier, and my vision blurred.
"I love you, little sister..." I whispered in an almost inaudible murmur, my eyes closing gently as darkness enveloped me.
"No, big brother, no!" she cried, her sobs choking her voice.
"Ahh no, it's not possible! Ahh, ah!" she screamed, overwhelmed by pain and despair.
Mia remained for long minutes holding her brother's lifeless body, her heart broken by an indescribable pain. Tears flooded her face, streaming down her cheeks and mingling with the rain that continued to fall. Each sob shook her frail body as she desperately clung to her brother, refusing to accept the cruel reality that was imposing itself. The world around her seemed to have stopped, the sounds of the night muffled by the turmoil of her emotions.
"Is it over? Will I never go home again? Why? Because I wasn't strong enough? Must the weak simply be content to cry?" she murmured, her gaze lost in emptiness.
A multitude of feelings overwhelmed her: grief, confusion, fear. But one of them rose within her with a devouring intensity, eclipsing all the others. This burning feeling, which made her heart beat with a new fury, took over: hatred. A deep hatred against those who had torn her family apart, destroyed her innocence, and left her life in tatters.
She lowered her eyes to her trembling hands, stained with her brother's blood. The scarlet liquid flowed between her fingers, each drop seeming to weigh down her pain. The contrast of the bright red on her pale skin made the scene even more striking. Her face, previously flooded with tears and marked by despair, slowly transformed under the effect of a profound hatred that took hold of her entire being, distorting her youthful features. Her eyes, once full of innocence, now burned with a dark glow reflecting the storm raging within her.
"I will eliminate them from this world! Exterminate them! Every last one of them, those responsible for my tragedy!" she exclaimed, her voice resonating with a new, almost unrecognizable intensity.
At that precise moment, she left behind the child she was, ready to embrace the dark path that her vengeance would dictate. And a flash tore through the horizon, as if to seal the promise she had just made.