Two years later in what was once America, North Carolina:

The air felt heavy as the last few boxes and suitcases were taken away by the movers. A backpack zipping closed was all that could be heard, a sorrowful sigh sounding soon after. A blonde woman turned towards her family, sorrow filling her light green eyes as they stood inside the place she had called home since childhood.

She couldn't help but run towards them one more time, giving her mother, her two sisters, and her brother a hug as her bottom lip quivered. Today, everything changed.

"You don't have to do this. We can make it out of this without you needing to leave for Asura, Caroline!"

Her heart constricted but she had already made up her mind. Her family was in a lot of debt and she had been blessed with a scholarship opportunity in Asura that would make up for it. A special program, they had called it. But the only thing was, she couldn't come home until it ended- if it ended… whenever that even was. Before the world fell into chaos, there might have been another way, but now… If she didn't go, her family would most likely die from the devil raids. She would do anything for them.

"It's ok, Mom. I have to do this. You and dad did so much just to keep all of us together during the war, this is the least I can do. I'll still be able to call you guys once a month! Plus, they have guaranteed that you will all be given heightened protection from the devils if I go."

Caroline tried to sound cheerful, but the reality was that she was scared and heartbroken. She had never gone more than a weekend without talking to her parents for all 26 years of her life. Now she was not only leaving them, but she would basically be completely on her own.

Not to mention, no one from this program had returned home. Their families all said that those in the program were happier than ever, but she couldn't believe them. Who could be happy away from everyone and everything they had ever loved?

Then again, some families were given special permission to move to Asura later on.

'The family member that was selected must have worked hard for them to allow that,' Caroline thought to herself. Asura was practically impossible to get into without invitation, after all. 'I'll manage it, somehow.' She refused to give up and resigned herself to do whatever it took to bring them to her if she couldn’t return to them.

Her mother was teary eyed and protested again, "That contract was practically you selling yourself away! They…" The woman grimaced as her tears spilled over, "They could do anything… And we don't even know if they're telling the truth!"

Caroline's eyes hit the floor. It was true. She was basically leaving to become an indentured servant, even if it said 'special program' instead. They knew how to read the fine print. She was not to disobey them and she would be working under the Asuraian people… in any way they wanted her to.

But… "This is the best way to keep all of you safe. Not only will you have money to support you for life, but also protection against anything that tries to harm you. I couldn't ask for more. Besides, there isn't anything to stop them from just taking me if they really wanted. We all know that."

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They had promised her family would remain well taken care of and protected as if they were Asurians themselves. Her family would be able to live happy and comfortable lives. Asura was the strongest country in the world and practically controlled all the others, so if she could leave her family protected by them she was also protecting them from them.

Caroline thought back to the night her best friend disappeared and closed her hand into a fist. This way, they'd be safe. Even if it was a fate worse than death she would still have accepted the contract. After all this time, the hold in her heart had never healed from that.

‘Never again,’ she promised herself.

Her crying mother was probably about to protest again before her dad put his hand on her mom's shoulder before pulling Caroline into another embrace, "Make sure to stay inside at night…" He was simply warning her about them. The devils.

"I know we can't change your mind, but be safe for us. We'll be praying for you." There was a crack in his voice, as if he was about to break, which only served to dig a deeper hole into her heart. If only they could come with her. For a second, she grasped onto his shirt like she would when she was a child and was scared of the dark except now, she was scared of being alone in this messed up and warring world.

Sniffling, she gave him a simple nod before shakily letting go of him to turn to her siblings. She didn't know when she would even see her family again. Or if she would ever see them again, at least in person.

Her green eyes found the brown eyes of her siblings'. Her twin, Tyson, and her were the oldest while her younger sisters Grace and Elizabeth were about 3 years apart. They were a close family, fighting very rarely which in and of itself was a unique thing.

She forced herself to smile and put on a brave face, "Take care of them, Ty. Lizzie, keep chasing your dream of being an actor. Grace, make sure to finish out college. You'll have all the money you need now so no excuses!"

Ty merely rolled his eyes. They looked puffy as if he had been crying all night and simply couldn't muster the tears now, "Just… come home soon, squirt."

"Hey! I thought we grew out of you calling me 'squirt' just because you're the bigger twin!" Caroline huffed. Tyson was truly massive compared to her small frame and height. They had grown up and gone to the same university.

He grinned, glad to lighten up the sad mood for a moment, "You'll always be 'squirt' to me. Just like these two!" He gestured to Grace and Lizzie who both puffed their faces out at him. Well, at least she wasn't the only one being picked on. Her siblings were also some of her best friends. This world was so cruel… Her smile broke as she pulled them into a sibling hug. Her parents, not wanting to miss out, also joined in.

"I love you guys…" She sobbed out as they stayed like that for a few minutes more.