Prologue

There were so many of them. Everywhere. He turned, trying to look away, but his eyes were involuntarily drawn to them.

It wasn’t their beauty—no, far from it. It wasn’t their strength—no, many were too weak to even stand. It was their mere existence that was overpowering to behold.

She placed her hand on his shoulder, startling him. He’d forgotten that she was here with him. He glanced at her hand on his shoulder and took in the beauty of the creamy texture. He was amazed by the contrast of her skin to the dry, gray skin—that looked so much like piles of ash that had been smashed together—of the others around them.

This isn’t real, he told himself again.

She saw the fear in his eyes and pulled her hand away from him.

“I understand if you want to leave,” she whispered.

“No,” he replied, too quickly. “I want to know more.”

Author’s Note: I am evil. This is just a teaser. Give me time and there will be more.