The City of Glass

By M.X. Usus

"The City of Glass" is an enthralling blend of heart-pounding action and captivating romance, set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world. In this dystopian tale, two main characters, Liam Ferrant and Alex West, embark on a dangerous mission in the war-torn country of Aglar.

Liam, a skilled martial artist haunted by his past, finds himself drawn into a web of intrigue and rebellion against the oppressive regime led by Adrian Stroud. Alongside him is Alex, a charismatic and devoted soldier, whose unwavering loyalty and deep affection for Liam ignites a passionate and tender romance.

As they navigate through a city in ruins, battling mechanized foes and unraveling the dark secrets that lie within, Liam and Alex's love becomes an anchor in the midst of chaos. Their bond is tested by the perils they face, and they must find strength in each other to survive and fight for their freedom.

"The City of Glass" explores not only the thrilling aspects of survival and revolution but also delves into the complexities of love, sacrifice, and trust. Amidst the dangers that surround them, Liam and Alex's relationship deepens, offering solace and hope in a world teetering on the edge.

With its vivid imagery, intense action sequences, and emotionally charged romance, this captivating novel will transport readers to a vividly imagined dystopian landscape. It appeals to fans of science fiction, dystopian fiction, and romance, offering a perfect blend of heart-pounding excitement and tender, heartfelt moments.

Experience the gripping adventure and passionate romance of "The City of Glass" as Liam and Alex fight against the odds, forge unbreakable bonds, and discover the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Prepare to be captivated from beginning to end in this thrilling, genre-blending tale.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9781312416918

Book preview

Chapter 1: A City Revisited

The sound of the train wheels screeching against the tracks filled the air as the locomotive approached its final destination. A man by the name of Liam Ferrant gazed out the window, his eyes fixed on the cityscape that sprawled before him. Tall buildings reached for the sky, their glass facades reflecting the glimmers of hope that had been instilled within the city once again. It had been years since he last set foot in his hometown, and memories both bitter and sweet flooded his mind.

As the train came to a halt, Liam stepped onto the platform, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The city had changed, scars of the past visible in the remnants of crumbling structures and the fading traces of chaos. He took a deep breath, determined to face the ghosts of the past and rediscover the place that had shaped him.

As he made his way through the bustling streets, Liam's thoughts wandered to a person he hadn't seen in years – his childhood friend, Alex. They had grown up together, exploring every nook and cranny of this city, creating memories that had once seemed indestructible. But life had taken them on different paths, and Liam wondered what kind of person Alex had become.

As fate would have it, he spotted a familiar figure in the distance. Tall and broad-shouldered, a stark contrast to his own slender frame, Alex stood beneath a streetlamp, his gaze fixed somewhere in the distance. A surge of nostalgia and anticipation coursed through Liam's veins as he approached his old friend.

Alex? Liam's voice carried a mix of surprise and uncertainty.

Alex turned around, his eyes widening with recognition. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, but his gaze lingered on Liam's face for a moment longer than necessary. Liam, he said, his voice tinged with a mixture of joy and something else, something unspoken.

They stood there, two old friends who had grown apart, locked in a moment of hesitation. Liam couldn't help but notice the changes in Alex's appearance. The once lean and carefree boy he remembered had transformed into a muscular man, his broad shoulders and sculpted arms a testament to the time he had spent shaping his physique.

I... I didn't expect to see you here, Liam managed to say, his voice faltering slightly.

Alex's eyes flickered with a hint of mischief, an all-too-familiar spark that Liam remembered well. Life has its surprises, doesn't it? he replied, his voice laced with a hint of underlying tension. He brightened up for a moment though after looking up and down his old friend, he noticed that Liam hadn’t changed much. But really, I heard you were coming and thought I would meet you when you arrived. Alex smiled at Liam.

A silence settled between them, charged with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. They had always shared a complicated relationship, one that danced on the line between friendship and something more. Liam remembered stolen glances and nights filled with unspoken desires. Yet, they had always maintained an unspoken rivalry, refusing to acknowledge the truth that simmered beneath the surface.

Liam cleared his throat, breaking the heavy silence. It's been a long time. We have a lot to catch up on.

Alex nodded, a subtle shift in his expression betraying the thoughts that raced through his mind. Yeah, we do, he replied, his voice filled with a mixture of longing and restraint.

Liam thought to himself how happy he was that Alex was okay and he gazed over at him, he had heard of a terrorist attack on the city recently that had been one of the reasons for his return, he needed to know if all of the people he knew and cared about were still okay.

As they walked side by side through the familiar streets, Liam couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. Their reunion had awakened memories and emotions that had long been buried. What would it take for them to confront their true feelings? And what would the city's recovery mean for their own personal journeys?

With each step, Liam knew that revisiting his hometown was not only about facing the aftermath of the devastating event but also about uncovering the truths that had been concealed for far too long. The city held their shared past, but it also held the key to their future – a future that they could only discover by acknowledging the desires that had always existed between them.

Little did Liam know that the reunion with his old friend would not only test their resolve but also set in motion a chain of events that would redefine their lives and the city they both called home. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear – the journey had just begun, and their destinies were intertwined in ways they had yet to comprehend.

Chapter 2: A Shared Space

The moon cast a gentle glow through the window, illuminating the room where Liam lay on a makeshift bed of blankets and pillows. The sound of his own restless breath echoed in the silence, as sleep eluded him. Thoughts of the past, of Alex, and the tragic event that had marred their city haunted his mind.

Earlier that evening, as they had continued their walk through the streets, Alex had offered Liam a place to stay during his visit. It had been a gesture of kindness, but also a subtle invitation into his world. Liam had hesitated at first, unsure whether accepting the offer would blur the lines they had carefully maintained between friendship and desire. Yet, the allure of proximity and the chance to deepen their connection had proved too tempting to resist.

And so, here he lay in Alex's room, the scent of familiarity mixed with a hint of Alex's cologne lingering in the air. The bed beside him remained untouched, a stark reminder of the unspoken tension that simmered between them. It was an unspoken agreement that Liam would sleep on the floor, but as the night stretched on, he found it increasingly difficult to find rest.

Images of the city's devastation flashed before Liam's eyes, the echoes of the bomb's impact resounding in his ears. The once-vibrant streets reduced to rubble, lives shattered in an instant. It had been a cataclysmic event that had left scars not only on the physical landscape but also on the hearts and souls of those who called this city home.

Liam's thoughts turned to Alex – the way he had transformed himself, not only physically but emotionally, in the aftermath of the tragedy. The weight of responsibility and the drive for strength had molded him into a pillar of resilience. Liam couldn't help but admire the way his old friend had grown, yet he couldn't shake the uneasiness that tugged at his heart.

As he lay there on the floor, Liam's mind wandered back to their shared history, the moments they had spent together that had always teetered on the edge of something more. He recalled the stolen glances, the charged encounters that had left them both breathless and yearning for more. And yet, they had held back, trapped in a web of unspoken rivalry, afraid to confront their true desires.

The weight of the unspoken tension pressed upon Liam, threatening to suffocate him. He wondered if Alex felt it too, if he lay awake in his own bed, wrestling with the same thoughts and emotions. The words left unspoken, the desires left unfulfilled, hung heavily in the room, intertwining their fates in a delicate dance.

The night wore on, the hours slipping away unnoticed as Liam grappled with his conflicted feelings. It was a night of contemplation, of wrestling with the past and the uncertain future that lay ahead. The silence was broken only by the distant hum of the city's gradual recovery, a reminder that life went on despite the scars that remained.

In the darkness, as the first light of dawn began to paint the sky, Liam finally drifted into a restless sleep, his dreams filled with fragments of memories and the ghostly touch of what could have been. The journey had only just begun, and the threads that bound him to Alex and their shared history grew stronger with each passing moment.

As the sun rose over the city, Liam awoke with a renewed sense of purpose. Today would be the day to face their tangled emotions, to peel back the layers of uncertainty and reveal the truth that had been concealed for far too long. It was time to confront the desires that had silently pulsed between them and find the courage to navigate the intricacies of their connection.

With determination in his heart and the weight of the past on his shoulders, Liam rose from the floor, ready to embark on a new day, prepared to discover the depths of his feelings and navigate the uncharted territory of their evolving relationship.

As he made his way to the living room to find Alex - who had woken up before him and long since left the bedroom. It was there that all his own hopes seemed to shatter for a moment, Alex stood there clad in his boxers as he whipped up some breakfast in the kitchen, but he wasn’t alone. A woman he would soon discover to be Alex’s girlfriend stood next to him and they were laughing about something together.

Liam’s heart felt heavy but he knew that someone like Alex couldn’t have waited all this time just for him. He waved to them and said Good morning. but as Alex and Emily turned to see him. He recognized Emily, she had gone to school with them when they were younger. Oh my god! she exclaimed Liam? She ran over to Liam and hugged him, You remember me right? She asked. Liam choked before he could reply Yeah… Emily. What a surprise. Liam forced a smile then returned the hug before heading over to the living room sofa.

Liam sat on the couch in Alex's living room, still feeling the remnants of restlessness from the sleepless night. The atmosphere was relaxed, the tension between them momentarily forgotten as they chatted and caught up on lost time. Alex and his girlfriend, Emily, soon joined him in the living room with bowls of fried eggs and sausage that Alex had prepared and sat across from him, her presence a reminder of the complexities that existed beyond their own shared history.

Emily was an embodiment of grace and warmth, her smile infectious and her laughter filling the room. Liam couldn't help but admire her, appreciating the genuine affection she and Alex shared. As they continued their conversation, the connection between them felt tangible, and Liam couldn't deny a twinge of jealousy that flickered within his heart.

But as their laughter and conversation filled the space, the tranquil atmosphere was abruptly shattered by the blaring sound of the emergency broadcast on the television. The room fell silent as they turned their attention to the urgent news flashing across the screen.

In a devastating turn of events, another explosion has occurred in the financial district of the city. Authorities are urging citizens to stay indoors and remain vigilant. Please avoid the affected area until further notice.

A heavy silence descended upon them, the weight of the news sinking into their collective consciousness. The city, still healing from its previous wounds, now faced another wave of chaos and destruction. The echoes of the past had returned, threatening to plunge the city into further turmoil.

Emily's eyes widened with worry, her hand instinctively reaching out to grasp Alex's. Oh my god, the city... Are you both okay? We need to stay safe and find out more information, she said, her voice laced with concern.

Alex squeezed Emily's hand reassuringly, his eyes darting between her and Liam. We'll be fine, Emily. Liam and I will figure out what's happening and make sure we stay out of harm's way, he replied, his voice steady despite the underlying tension.

Liam's mind whirled with a mixture of fear and determination. The city, his city, was under attack once again. But amidst the chaos, an unexpected sense of purpose emerged. He couldn't abandon the place that held his memories and the people he cared about.

Without hesitating, Liam stood up, a newfound resolve shining in his eyes. We need to do something. We can't just sit here. Let's gather information, check on loved ones, and see if we can help in any way, he suggested, his voice filled with a sense of urgency.

Alex nodded, the lines of worry etched on his face. You're right. But I am not sure what we can do. But call your families and check on them at least.

Together, Liam, Alex, and Emily pulled out their phones, reaching out to friends and family, and scoured the news for updates. The shared tension and the sense of impending danger created a bond between them, transcending the unspoken desires that had defined their relationship.

As they huddled around the television, their eyes glued to the screen, their shared history and unspoken feelings were momentarily overshadowed by the urgency of the present. In this moment, they were united in their love for the city and their commitment to its survival.

The city had been the backdrop to their lives, shaping their identities and intertwining their destinies. Now, as it faced yet another threat, they were determined to rise above their own internal struggles and confront the external turmoil that threatened to tear their world apart.

With every passing minute, the urgency grew, and the weight of their own feelings faded into the background. The true test of their bond lay not in their ability to resist temptation, but in their willingness to stand together in the face of adversity and fight for what they believed in.

The chaos of the city began to settle once again as the initial shock of the recent explosion in Linksteadt wore off. Liam, Alex, and Emily found a moment of respite amidst the remnants of uncertainty. The three of them sat in the living room, the weight of recent events still heavy in the air. Alex had returned to the kitchen on the phone with one of his friends.

As fate would have it, Liam and Emily found themselves alone together for the first time since Liam's arrival. The room was filled with a subtle tension, an unspoken understanding that there were feelings lingering beneath the surface that needed to be addressed.

Emily looked at Liam, her eyes searching for answers. She had always been perceptive, and the glances Liam and Alex shared hadn't gone unnoticed. There was a pang of discomfort deep within her, a hint of jealousy that she struggled to push aside under the circumstances. She loved Alex, but the bond between Liam and her boyfriend seemed to go beyond friendship.

Liam, Emily began, her voice tinged with a mixture of apprehension and vulnerability, I can't help but notice the way you and Alex look at each other. There's something more there, isn't there?

Liam met her gaze, his eyes filled with a mix of honesty and hesitation. He knew he couldn't deny the connection that had always existed between him and Alex. Emily, I... There's a complicated history between us. We've always had this unspoken tension, this rivalry, but there's something deeper beneath it all. I can't deny that. a sad look crossed Liam’s face and he continued. I wouldn’t think too much about it though… there are more impending problems.

Emily's expression softened, but a shadow of doubt clouded her features. She loved Alex deeply, and their relationship was built on trust and devotion. But the unspoken bond between Liam and Alex brought forth insecurities she hadn't anticipated. She feared that she would forever be competing with a love that had existed long before she entered the picture.

I know Alex loves me, but sometimes I can't help but wonder if he loves you too. And if he does, who does he love more? Emily's voice trembled with a mix of vulnerability and fear.

Liam reached out, placing a gentle hand on Emily's arm, his eyes filled with compassion. Emily, I can't answer that for you. I don't even have the answer myself. Love is a complex thing, and it takes time and honesty to navigate. But I do know that Alex cares for you deeply. He chose you, and he continues to choose you every day.

Tears welled up in Emily's eyes as she fought to contain her emotions. She wanted to believe Liam's words, to trust that their connection was based on friendship rather than a romantic longing. But the doubts still lingered, gnawing at the edges of her heart.

You're right, Emily whispered, her voice quivering. I need to trust in our love and in Alex's commitment to me. But it's hard, especially when I see the way you two interact, the way you understand each other without words.

Liam shakes his head and sighs, understanding the depth of her struggle. Our connection isn’t the same, Emily, and I can assure you that I won’t get between you two. We all have our own battles to fight, and right now, the city is all that matters… besides I don’t think he even feels that way about me.

Emily let out a shaky breath, a mixture of relief and determination settling within her. She knew that navigating the complexities of love would be an ongoing journey, but she was determined to hold onto the love she shared with Alex and to trust in the bond they had built together.

Alex returned shortly, Yeah, you too man, be careful! he said to whoever he was on the phone with before hanging up and joining Emily and Liam. He noticed the tense look on their face and figured it was just the attack stressing them out. He sat with them in silence.

Little did they know that the trials they would face in the coming days would put their love, trust, and loyalties to the ultimate test. The city of Linksteadt stood on the precipice once again, and amidst the chaos, they would discover the true depths of their connections and the strength of their resolve.

Chapter 3: Amidst the Shadows of War

The announcement reverberated throughout Linksteadt, spreading waves of anxiety and uncertainty among its residents. The city, still grappling with the two recent bombings, now faced a new and ominous threat. Liam, Alex, and Emily watched in disbelief as the news unfolded on the television screen, each word carrying a weight that seemed to grow heavier with every passing moment.

It appears that… we are under attack by the neighboring country of Oscain. the newscaster spoke solemnly, Even now, they approach us with their siege mechs. May God be with all of you. The TV Broadcast was cut off after the announcement, and the familiar vertical colored stripes of the warning message seemed to loop over on it self as Liam, Alex and Emily stared at the TV in disbelief.

As the reality of war settled upon them, their hearts sank, and a sense of urgency filled the room. The images of mortar attacks and the looming danger just beyond their borders painted a grim picture of the days to come. Evacuation seemed impossible, and the thought of leaving their beloved city behind felt like a betrayal to their shared history and the resilience they had witnessed firsthand.

Liam's mind raced, searching for solutions, but the mountains that had once provided solace now felt like a prison, limiting their options for escape. The narrow pass that served as the city's only way out could quickly become a target if overrun with panic-stricken people and their vehicles.

We can't just sit here and wait for the inevitable, Liam declared, as he stood up, his voice filled with determination. We need to prepare, gather supplies, and find a way to protect ourselves and our community.

Alex and Emily looked up at Liam with a melancholy expression. Alex did finally find his resolve and it slowly seemed to be spreading throughout the room.

Alex nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of concern and determination. You're right, Liam. We can't let fear paralyze us. We have a responsibility to our city and its people. We'll do everything we can to keep them safe.

Emily, though frightened, found her resolve as well. She knew that their bond would be tested like never before. We need to rally the community, establish a network of support, and come up with a plan to defend ourselves. Together, we are stronger.

She stood up as Liam and Alex listened to her. Both of them nodding at her, momentarily forgetting their own inner struggle.

And so, they set to work, reaching out to their friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens. They organized meetings, pooling resources, and strategizing for the impending danger. The city began to hum with a newfound sense of unity, an unspoken understanding that they would fight for their home and for each other.

As days turned into weeks, the situation escalated. The distant rumble of explosions grew louder, a constant reminder of the imminent threat. The city prepared makeshift shelters, fortifying their buildings, and establishing communication channels to share vital information.

In the midst of their efforts, Liam, Alex, and Emily found solace in each other's presence. The unspoken tensions that had once clouded their interactions seemed to fade into the background, replaced by a shared determination and the recognition that their feelings, though complicated, were secondary to the urgency at hand.

Late into the nights, when exhaustion settled upon them, they would steal moments of respite, finding comfort in the arms of their loved ones. It was during one of these stolen moments that Liam looked into Alex's eyes, his voice barely above a whisper.

Promise me, Alex, that no matter what happens, we'll fight for our city. Promise me that we'll face the challenges ahead together, Liam pleaded.

Alex gripped Liam’s hands in his own, his voice filled with unwavering conviction. I promise, Liam. Our life and that of our city, they are intertwined. We will face this together, come what may.

Emily, too, listened in the quiet of the room, her heart heavy with the knowledge that their bond went beyond what she could fully comprehend. She understood that their connection was a part of who they were, and she couldn't deny the strength it brought them in times of adversity.

The shadows of war loomed large over Linksteadt, casting a somber hue upon its streets. But amidst the uncertainty and danger, the city found resilience, unity, and a love that transcended the boundaries of the heart. Together, they would face the storm that threatened to tear them apart, for their bond was forged in the fires of adversity, and it would endure.

Only a few weeks had passed before the news of an impending draft hit Alex like a tidal wave. It shattered the semblance of peace that had settled upon his life after retiring from the military. Liam and Emily, who had come to depend on his presence and stability, felt their hearts break at the thought of Alex being pulled back into the turmoil of war.

As they gathered in Alex's living room, the weight of the announcement hung heavily in the air. Liam's eyes filled with concern, his voice trembling with emotion. Alex, this can't be happening. You've done your part already. You shouldn't have to go back.

Emily's grip tightened on Alex's hand, tears welling up in her eyes. I can't bear the thought of you being in danger again. We've already faced so much, and now this... It's unfair.

Alex's face was etched with a mix of resignation and determination. He understood the gravity of the situation and the sacrifices that would be required. I know it's difficult to accept, but this war threatens everything we hold dear. If my service can contribute to a chance for peace, then I must answer the call. The temporary truce they seek to achieve through additional manpower might be the only hope for further diplomacy.

Liam's voice quivered with a mixture of anger and sadness. But it's not fair, Alex. We shouldn't have to choose between our loved ones and our duty to our country. It shouldn't be this way.

Alex's gaze met Liam's, the unspoken connection between them heavy with shared understanding. I wish things were different, Liam. I wish we didn't have to make these choices. But for now, it seems that a shorter tour may be the best chance we have to protect our city and its people.

Silence settled upon the room, the weight of the decision permeating their thoughts. They knew that sacrifices would be required, that the path ahead would be fraught with uncertainty. But they also understood the strength they derived from their shared love and unwavering support.

In the days that followed, the city buzzed with a mix of apprehension and determination. The draft loomed, and the community rallied to provide support and resources to the families of those called to serve. Liam, Alex, and Emily found solace in the knowledge that they weren't alone in their struggle.

As Alex prepared for his departure, the bond between the three of them grew stronger. They spent cherished moments together, relishing in the warmth of each other's presence, determined to make the most of the time they had before they would once again be tested by the realities of war.

Liam, though torn by his feelings for Alex, pushed his emotions aside and focused on being a source of strength and support. He understood that now, more than ever, they needed to stand together as a united front.

Emily, too, struggled with the conflicting emotions that swirled within her. She grappled with the fear of losing Alex and the knowledge that his commitment to their city and its people was an integral part of who he was. Her love for him demanded that she find the strength to let him go, to trust that their bond would withstand the trials that lay ahead.

On the day of Alex's departure, the air crackled with a potent mixture of sadness and resolve. The city stood together, bidding farewell to their loved ones, their hearts heavy with the knowledge that their lives would forever be changed by the challenges that awaited them.

As Alex embraced Liam and Emily, their hearts beating as one, he whispered words of love and reassurance. I will return soon, you two. Together, we will weather this storm. Until then. keep our city strong, and keep each other safe.

Tears streamed down their faces as they watched Alex disappear into the distance, a warrior once again called to protect the home they held so dear.

And amidst the uncertainty and sacrifices, they clung to the hope that strength, loyalty, and the unbreakable spirit of Linksteadt and all of Aglar would prevail, weaving a tale of resilience and sacrifice.

Liam held his phone steady, capturing the image of Alex walking away in his military uniform. The early morning sun cast a golden glow upon his strong, chiseled features. Every step Alex took exuded determination and purpose, his broad shoulders squared, and his posture unwavering.

His neatly trimmed dark hair caught the light, and the insignia on his uniform gleamed with pride. The uniform itself seemed to enhance his natural athleticism, accentuating the muscles he had honed through years of service. He was a symbol of strength and resilience, a beacon of hope in a city on the precipice of war.

As Alex reached the train platform, he turned back, his gaze meeting Emily's tear-filled eyes. With a tender smile, he blew her a kiss, a silent reassurance of his love and his unwavering commitment. Then, his eyes shifted to Liam, and he winked, a shared understanding passing between them.

Liam's heart swelled with a mixture of pride, longing, and unspoken desire. He had always been drawn to Alex's confidence, his unwavering determination, and now, as he watched him depart for the military camp, those feelings seemed to intensify.

Emily, her eyes still fixed on the disappearing figure of her beloved, turned to Liam, her voice soft with curiosity. Why weren't you drafted, Liam? I mean, you're a citizen of Linksteadt too, aren't you?

Liam's gaze shifted to the ground, his voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. I haven't been a citizen of Linksteadt for a long time, Emily. After school my family moved to Ravenbeck, a smaller farming city on the outskirts. The draft requirements there are different since the city doesn't face the same level of threat as Linksteadt does. It's a loophole of sorts.

Emily's brow furrowed in confusion, mixed with a touch of relief. So, you won't have to go to war? You'll be safe here?

Liam nodded, a bittersweet smile forming on his lips. Yes, I won't be drafted. But that doesn't mean I'm unaffected by all of this. Alex, you, and the safety of this city mean everything to me. I'll do whatever it takes to support you both and our community.

Emily reached out, her hand finding solace in Liam's. We need you now more than ever, Liam. Your strength, your dedication, they are vital in these trying times. Together, we'll face whatever comes our way.

As they stood there, the weight of Alex's absence settled upon them, their intertwined fingers serving as a reminder of the love that bound them together. They knew the road ahead would be treacherous, but they also knew that their shared determination and unwavering support would carry them through the darkest of times.

And so, with a renewed sense of purpose, Liam and Emily turned their focus to the challenges that lay ahead. They would hold onto the memory of Alex's departure, his image captured in the photograph as a symbol of their shared strength and unwavering resolve.

In the face of war, their bond would be tested like never before. But they would not falter. Their love for each other and for their city would fuel their every step, propelling them forward as they