PROLOGUE
MALCOLM
Eleven Years Ago…
The bassfrom the speakers shook the tables, mixing with the wildness and laughter of our graduation party. Soon to be former classmates filled my parents’ backyard, drinking from red Solo cups, celebrating the fact the we were finally done with high school. Standing near the fire pit, I watched the flames dance as my mind raced with thoughts about my future and my decision to serve my country. My best friend and partner in crime, Tyrique, stood next to me, quiet, and seemed like he had something on his mind.
“So, you’re really doing it,” he said, shaking his head. “Joining the Army, just like that.”
“Yeah, just like that,” I smirked. It wasn’t a sudden decision. I’d been set on it for years. Most young people don’t think about this, but what attracted me the most is the discipline and the structure. It called to me in a way nothing else did.
“You still planning to take a gap year?”
“Hell yeah,” he shrugged. “I need a break before I lock myself into four more years of school. Gonna work, maybe travel a little, then college.”
“Man, I get it, but what if you enjoy it so much that you skip going to college altogether? What about your plans to study law?”
“There’s no way I’m giving up that dream. I just need a break. Law school will be there when I’m ready.”
Before I could respond, a familiar high-pitched voice cut through the noise.
“Well, well, look at you two, acting all grown up.”
I turned just in time to see Londyn strutting over, her arms crossed, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Tyrique’s annoying little sister had an uncanny ability to show up where she wasn’t wanted, and tonight was no exception. It was just a matter of time before she crashed our party.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “This party is for graduates only. Not little kids.”
“I’m not a little kid!”
“Pouting and stomping your feet says otherwise, little girl,” I tease. She hates when I call her that.
“Takes one to know one,” she shoots back and I can’t help but laugh.
“Take a hike before I call Mom and tell her you snuck over here,” Tyrique tells her.
“Please, this party would be boring without me,” she scoffed, patting herself on the back.
“Gonna miss you, brat,” I sighed, ruffling her hair just to piss her off.
She swatted my hand away, but there was something softer in her expression for a split second before she masked it with an exaggerated eye roll.
“Yeah, yeah. Don’t get all sentimental on me now.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” I grinned, knowing she would miss me too in her own way.
Londyn was a menace, always had been. Sticking her nose in our business, pushing buttons just because she could. But damn if she wasn’t funny sometimes. Tonight, she was in full form… snatching a drink off someone’s table (which I promptly too from her), flicking the brim of my cap, and generally making a nuisance of herself.
We fell silent, the air slightly heavy with emotion. This is it. Our next chapter was upon us, but for now, I let myself enjoy the moment. The fire, the music, the laughter. And, of course, the ever-annoying Londyn, who was the little sister I never had, always trying to hang out with us any chance she got.
I didn’t know it then, but that night was the calm before everything cracked. The world doesn’t ask permission… it just comes for you. And when it did, I never stood a chance.
ONE
NIGHTMARE
I jolt awake,a roar ripping from my throat. Chest heaving like I sprinted through hell. Sweat slicks my skin, runs down my temples, and drips into my beard. My fists are locked, knuckles screaming, nails buried deep in my palms. I can still feel the rifle’s weight. Still see the boy’s face… pale, terrified, frozen in the breath I stole from him. The smell lingers too… gunpowder and burning flesh, thick in my nose like it never left
“Clear the room! Clear the room!” The words rip out of me before I even know I’m saying them. My heart’s pounding so hard it rattles my ribs, and for a second I don’t know where I am. The bedroom walls blur into cracked mud, dust choking my throat, adrenaline surging like pure octane. The gunpowder stung so sharp after I pulled the trigger, it burned my eyes for days.
