Chapter 6: A Family Devoured

Back in Savannah, paranoia clung to me. Every footstep behind me sounded like a threat. Even the neighbor’s dog seemed to watch me with knowing eyes.\n\nInstead of an opportunity to flee, I was greeted by the treacherous Harold Hayes.\n\nHe brought me to the mansion, where Landon asked, “Why not bring your family to the mansion for treatment?”\n\nMy heart stopped. For a second, I couldn’t breathe. The river’s fog seemed to press in, hiding a thousand dangers.\n\nI fumbled for an answer, but Landon brought my family in—my wife, my children, all pale with terror. The guards shot them before my eyes.\n\nThough I had no memory of them, Marcus’s blood ties ran deep. My chest ached with grief, childhood memories flashing before my eyes—running in sunlit fields, laughter echoing in the air.\n\nLandon ordered a platter of meat brought in. The flesh writhed with fat white worms.\n\n“General, eat.”\n\nGod, if you’re listening, get me out of this.\n\nI retched, doubling over, the room spinning. Landon’s face darkened with murderous rage.\n\nHarold Hayes stepped in, buying me a reprieve: “If the General is unwell, there’s a matter only he can handle—an envoy to the Bloc.”\n\nLandon laughed, clapping his hands. I escaped death, but dread pressed closer than ever. Senator Quinn would be no friend.