Escape from Eden (Original Series book 2) (26 page)

I lock eyes with Tank briefly. "Thank you. You have all sacrificed so much for a cause that may seem hopeless at times, especially now, but I assure you its not. Yes, Eden has been destroyed, Originals have been taken, and Colt," my voice breaks, "is also gone, but we can't let the Institute think they’ve broken us."

Several Primes look around at each other. A few of them sit up straighter.

"They thought by taking away years of your life, they could snuff out humanity's spirit. The same human spirit that originally helped to form this country all those centuries ago. But I am hear to tell you that this spirit lives on and cannot be taken away unless we allow it. There is a spark inside us all that yearns to make a difference, that wants to fight for every breath of life, every joy and every love. Men were not meant to be slaves! That is what they have made you—slaves to
time
, but now we must stand up and say no more!"

Shouts of agreement fill the room. I flinch at the sound, but continue on, unable to stop even if I wanted to. The words are there, crowding the space in my mind. They have to be said.

"I have one purpose—to take down the Institute. I know I am not the smartest or fastest person here. I'm definitely not the strongest, but I have a fire inside me that is all consuming. Help me to spread this fire!"

Anthony begins to thump his fist against the table next to him. Jenna and Tank join in along with several others.

I meet as many eyes as I can. "We will be the lightning, striking fear into their hearts! Our thunder will be heard as we bring a raging tempest to their doors!"

Everyone pounds the tables now, a faster pulse that fills the room like the savage beat of a heart.

"This isn't about protecting Originals anymore. This is about taken down the one organization that has stolen so much from you. There will be no more fighting for your lives. Today you are going to fight to live! It is time to take back those years they stole from you! I'm ready. Are you?"

The crowd jumps to their feet, cheering and shouting battle cries. I stand as tall as I can, my fist raised into the air. I meet Anthony's gaze. He's smiling and nodding his head. Tank is next to him clapping his hands. He winks at me. Jenna walks over and stands between them. They each put an arm around her. She doesn't pull away.

At the back of the room, Link stands among the Primes. He's not cheering, but the way he's standing and the look in his eyes, tell me he is ready to fight as much as the others.

There is no turning back. I jump from the table and walk through the crowd toward the exit. Others follow behind me. Together we are going to save Eden.

D
ear Reader
,

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R
achel currently lives
in New Hampshire, a place secretly known for its supernatural creatures. When she's not in her writing lair, she's partying with her husband and four children. Her love for storytelling began as a child when the moon first possessed the night. For when the lights went out, her imagination painted a whole new world. And what a scary world it was …

Visit Rachel McClellan's website at
www.RachelMcClellan.com
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