Chapter 1

"Six months since the collapse of the government. No political leaders, no police force. Crime reigns."

The news anchor's voice carried through the house, cold and unfeeling. "Civilians have no safe passage out of the country, and no help from the outside. In today's report, a local Jewlery shop was robbed. Five people shot dead. With criminals running rampant, our only hope lies with an inspiring group of brave citizens known as the resistance standing up against the chaos, risking their lives to restore some semblance of order."

Maya heard the grim words before she even opened her eyes. She rubbed her face, groggy, and tried to push away the sinking feeling in her stomach. The state of the country was bad but hearing it first thing in the morning didn't make it any easier.

"Maya!" Emily's whine pulled her from her thoughts as her younger sister shook her gently. "My show got interrupted by the news people."

Maya sat up slowly, the exhaustion of a restless night still heavy in her limbs. "What did I say about watching TV this early?" she muttered, though her voice lacked any real scolding.

"But I don't have school today, it's Sunday," Emily replied, her frown deepening. "And we're not even learning tomorrow—we have a play, and we need to go shopping for it."

Maya sighed, getting out of bed and walking toward the bathroom. "Turn the volume up on the news. I want to hear what they're saying."

Emily huffed, but did what she was told, her small hands fumbling with the remote as Maya disappeared into the bathroom. The news broadcast continued in the background as she brushed her teeth.

"...suspicious sightings have been reported on Barley Road. Please remain on high alert..."

Maya paused mid-brush. Barley Road? That was just a few blocks away. She leaned against the sink, tension building in her shoulders. What suspicious behaviour? Shouldn't they elaborate?

She spit out the water and wiped her face, trying to shake off the nagging sense of worry. Something felt wrong, but it was probably just nerves.

"Emily!" Maya called as she left the bathroom. "What are you—"

She stopped in the kitchen doorway, spotting her sister covered in milk, her bowl of cornflakes overturned on the floor. Emily looked up guiltily.

"It wasn't me!" Emily said quickly, staring at the mess. "It was Skittles."

"Skittles?" Maya asked, raising an eyebrow. "You mean your stuffed cat did this?"

Emily nodded, trying to look innocent. "Yes."

Maya sighed, grabbing the mop. "You have to be more careful, doll."

"But it wasn't me!" Emily paused, eyes flicking to her stuffed toy. "But I'll tell Skittles what you said."

Maya chuckled softly. "Go change your clothes if you still want to go shopping."

Emily's eyes lit up. "Yes! Yes! We're still going!" She dashed off to her room.

Maya finished cleaning up just as the doorbell rang. She put down the mop and opened the door with a smile. Standing outside was Ms. Holloway, the elderly neighbour from across the street, holding a basket.

"Good morning, lovely," Ms. Holloway greeted warmly. "How are you this morning?"

"I'm alright, thanks. How are you?"

"Oh, just fine. Where's the little one?"

"She had a bit of an accident with her breakfast. She's changing."

Ms. Holloway chuckled. "I was hoping to see her, but I guess I'll see her when I come by tomorrow." She gestures towards her basket "I brought you some fresh vegetables from my garden before I head to the market."

"Oh, Ms. Holloway, you really don't have to keep doing this," Maya said, awkwardly taking the basket.

Ms. Holloway waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense. You're only 20, and you've done so much, taking in that little girl after she lost her parents. It's the least I can do."

Maya smiled shyly. "I was just doing my job."

Ms. Holloway clicked her tongue. "Don't be so modest. You treat her like she's your own. You're a blessing, my dear. May the Lord watch over you."

"Thank you," Maya said, humbled.

"Have a blessed day!" Ms. Holloway called as she turned to leave.

"You too!" Maya waved, closing the door behind her.

She set the basket on the kitchen counter. "Emily! Hurry up! I want to be home in time for lunch!"

"I can't find my lucky toy!" Emily shouted from her room. "I always carry it with me when I leave the house!"

Maya glanced at the clock. "Doll, we have to hurry. It's almost ten o'clock. Just leave it for today."

Emily came out, holding nothing in her hands and worry plastered on her face. "But what if something bad happens? "Maya sighed, kneeling in front of her sister. "Nothing bad will happen, I promise. Plus, I'm part of the resistance, remember? I'll keep you safe."

Emily hesitated but finally nodded. "Okay. Just this once."

The wind was cool as they walked toward the mall. Emily chattered excitedly about her favourite show, her small hand swinging in Maya's. But Maya wasn't really listening. Her eyes scanned the quiet streets, every shadow and movement catching her attention. The resistance had become more active lately—more missions, more targets—and with it came the ever-present threat of retaliation. She could feel it, like the air itself was holding its breath, waiting for something to break.

Her involvement with the resistance wasn't just a passive commitment; she was part of their intelligence team, tasked with gathering information from local contacts and identifying potential threats. It was why she was always on edge, why her senses stayed sharp even during moments like these. The weight of responsibility pressed on her—she wasn't just protecting herself anymore. She had Emily to think about too.

The world had fallen apart, and the resistance was the only thing standing between total chaos and any hope of rebuilding. She had joined them not just because it was necessary, but because it was right. Someone had to fight for justice, for the world that could have been. And even though she didn't show it, the danger weighed on her every day.

They reached the mall, its entrance bustling with people. Emily grabbed a trolley and pushed it with glee, filling it with things she needed for her school play. Every now and then, she tossed in unnecessary items that Maya silently put back.

As they moved through the crowded aisles, Maya couldn't help but notice a group of young people her age laughing together, carefree. They had no worries, no responsibilities weighing them down. A flicker of longing passed through her, but it quickly faded. While she knew her life wasn't like theirs, filled with fun and freedom, she didn't regret it. Taking care of Emily, being part of the resistance—it gave her purpose, even if the weight of it sometimes felt overwhelming

After about two hours of shopping, Emily tugged at Maya's sleeve. "I'm hungry."

"Okay, okay," Maya relented. "Let's head home. I'll cook something."

"No!" Emily whined. "I'm too hungry to wait! Let's eat here."

Maya sighed. Was she really getting pushed around by an eight-year-old? "Fine. Let's get pizza."

Emily practically jumped with excitement and led the way to the food court. As they passed a stand selling toys, Emily's eyes brightened. "Maya, can I—"

"No," Maya said firmly, already knowing what she wanted. "We're here for food."

"But I need a new lucky toy in case I don't find my other one!" Emily pleaded, her eyes wide.

Maya groaned. "Fine. Be quick. I'll order the food."

As she joined the queue, Maya kept an eye on Emily. The line moved slowly, and just as she was nearing the front, she noticed a girl who seemed slightly younger than her approach her sister. Tall, with striking green eyes and long black hair, the girl crouched down to Emily's level, speaking softly.

Maya narrowed her eyes, her attention snapping back to them. She strained to read their lips.

"Hi, you're so pretty," the girl said, her smile sweet but sharp.

Emily smiled back, always eager for compliments. "Thank you."

Maya shifted, her instincts prickling.

The woman pointed to the toy stand which Emily was heading towards. "Are you looking for a toy?"

Emily nodded eagerly.

The girl smiled again and reached into her pocket. "I actually have one right here. Would you like it?"

Maya frowned, feeling uneasy. Emily's smile widened as she nodded.

"Next!" called the cashier, snapping Maya out of her thoughts.

She turned back to the task at hand, stepping up to the counter. Quickly placing the order for the pizza, Maya paid and collected the receipt. She grabbed the tray and, for a split second, allowed her focus to drift completely onto the transaction.

As she stepped away from the counter, a sense of relief washed over her. But then, her eyes caught something odd—Emily, holding something small in her hand, a new toy from the mysterious woman.

Maya's breath caught in her throat as she squinted at the object in Emily's hands.

It wasn't a toy.

It was a grenade.

Her heart stopped, and time seemed to stretch. Panic flooded her veins.

The girl's parting words floated back into her mind as she realized what was happening: "So for it to work, all you have to do is pull the pin."

Maya screamed. "Emily! Don't!"

She bolted toward her, her legs moving faster than she ever thought possible. But she was too far.

Emily smiled innocently at her sister's panicked face and, oblivious, pulled the pin. "Look, Maya! I have a new lucky—"

The explosion ripped through the air, deafening and final.