Marcus awoke like clockwork at dawn. He began his daily routine. Splashing his face in the washbasin, getting dressed then looking into his one possession. A mirror about the size of his head and shoulders. He gazed at himself as he often did. Pale skin, a lean muscled frame, dark brown hair and silver eyes. He raised one hand and touched the mirror then touched his face. Examining himself as if unsure of why exactly he was doing it. He thought of Dualn and his offer. It was ridiculous of course and he knew it. Dualn felt like the closest thing he could consider family. Despite his shortcomings he was kind to Marcus. He knew how the other squad members looked at him. They treated him mostly indifferent but would whisper about him and his weird tendencies. It was only whispers though as Dauln was quick to anger for him. It felt nice Marucs thought, he didn’t understand the feeling, but it was almost warm. To run away though… A part of him called out for something more. He pushed it down. It was no time to think of foolishness. He had a job to do. He straightened his uniform and made his way to the food tent. Todays special was some kind of mush that tasted like gravy and some kind of meat. It kind of taste like pork Marcus thought as he shoveled his food down. He heard shouting and looked over to see Dualn. He was making a fuss about the food no doubt. What is this?! He proclaimed. Where the hell’s the food? The food server shrinked under his gaze and muttered out some unintelligible words. Fine… Dualn sounded exhausted now. You better give me double of whatever this slop is then. The server nodded and added another scoop onto his plate. Douln grunted and turned. He looked around then spotted Marcus. A smile crept onto his face. M my man how was the sleep? He made his way over and plopped down next to Marcus. Fine, he lied. Dualn’s eyebrows scratched and he looked at Marcus meaningfully. You had the dream again huh? Marus stopped chewing his mush, yeah he said tentatively. Dam M hey I’m here man if you need to talk about it. Dualn gave a sad smile and squeezed his shoulder. He knew Marcus wasn’t going to share. Marus shrugged off his hand. I’m fine really. We should be prepping for our mission. Marcus picked up his plate and headed off to the wash. He didn’t see Dauln’s face change to a pained expression. He was going to get up to when Zero sat down in front of him. Zero was an owlish man with stern demeanor. He was a master with blades and a formidable knife thrower. He cocked his head toward the direction Marcus had left. So trouble in paradise huh? Dualn frowned, you know its not like that. Zero nodded and then shrugged. I don’t see what you see in that kid. Sure hes an efficient killer but hes so.. Empty? Dualn finished for him. His face a wash of emotion. I used to have a younger brother you know? Zero shook his head, no I didn’t. Well, Dualn continued. Marcus reminds me of my brother and its more then that now. I just want him to feel alive, even if I have to kill for it. I’ll find a way to make him feel alive again, I know it. Zero shook his head. Well I know a lost cause when I see one and hes it. Dualn face began to turn a shade of violet. Hes not! Dualn rage was palpable now. He got up and reached for Zero’s neck. Woah, Zero exclaimed. He saw the movement and backpedaled. Calm down I didn’t mean to push your buttons. Dualn scoffed, forget it, your not worth even killing. He turned and stomped off.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.