Fragments of Hope

By Evelyn Darkwood

In the aftermath of a devastating apocalypse, "Fragments of Hope: Haven's Awakening" chronicles the journey of survivors as they navigate the ruins of their world. Amidst the remnants of civilization, Haven emerges as a beacon of resilience and unity. As they confront challenges both internal and external, the residents of Haven cling to fragments of hope, forging a new path forward and awakening to the possibility of redemption amidst the chaos.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Goldenleaf Press
• Release date: Mar 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224901319

Book preview

Fragments of Hope

Haven's Awakening

Evelyn Darkwood

Copyright © 2024 by Evelyn Darkwood

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

Contents

1.The Ashen World

2.Echoes of the Past

3.Unlikely Allies

4.The Rival Threat

5.The Descent

6.Divided We Stand

7.The Awakening

8.The Siege

9.Into the Hive

10.New Dawn

Chapter one

The Ashen World

The sun, a dull red orb, barely pierced the thick, smog-choked sky as Ava led her scavenging team through the skeletal remains of what once was a bustling urban center. Buildings, their facades eroded by years of neglect, loomed over them like tombstones, marking the grave of the old world. The air, heavy with the scent of decay and the acrid tang of chemical residue, filled their lungs with every breath.

Ava adjusted the makeshift filter mask that covered her nose and mouth, her gaze scanning the horizon. Beside her, Eli, his rifle slung over his shoulder, mirrored her vigilance. The silence between them spoke volumes of their shared history, a bond forged in the fires of survival.

Keep your eyes peeled, Ava instructed, her voice muffled by the mask. We're not alone out here.

Her team, a ragtag group of survivors each bearing the scars of their past encounters, nodded. They moved with practiced caution, their steps muffled by the ash that carpeted the ground.

Suddenly, Mia, a young girl with eyes too old for her face, tugged at Ava's sleeve. Without a word, she pointed to a dilapidated supermarket, its entrance partially obstructed by debris.

There, Mia whispered, her voice barely audible.

Ava followed the direction of Mia's finger, her heart rate accelerating. The supermarket had been on their map, a potential goldmine of supplies if they were lucky.

Alright, team, Ava said, signaling for them to follow. Let's move in. Eli, take the lead with me. The rest of you, watch our six.

They navigated their way through the rubble-strewn streets, every shadow a potential threat. As they approached the supermarket, the unmistakable sound of something moving inside halted them in their tracks.

Eli raised his hand, signaling for silence. He exchanged a look with Ava, a silent question in his eyes. She nodded, the decision made. They needed whatever was inside, but caution remained paramount.

Ava and Eli entered first, weapons drawn, their footsteps echoing ominously in the vast, deserted space. Shelves, stripped bare long ago, cast long, sinister shadows in the dim light that filtered through the broken windows. The air was thick with dust, stirring into clouds with their every move.

The sound came again, closer this time—a low, guttural growl that seemed to emanate from the very walls. Ava felt a chill run down her spine, a primal warning. This was no ordinary scavenger.

Contact! Eli barked, his voice breaking the oppressive silence as a shadow detached itself from the darkness.

It was like nothing they had ever seen—a mutation, certainly, but one evolved far beyond the mindless creatures they had encountered before. Its limbs were elongated, its flesh a patchwork of scales and open sores, and its eyes... its eyes glowed with a malevolent intelligence.

The creature lunged at them with surprising speed, its movements a blur. Ava fired her pistol, the sound deafening in the confined space. Eli's rifle roared a split second later. The creature stumbled, wounded but not down, its growl turning into a shriek of rage.

Fall back! Ava ordered, retreating toward the entrance where the rest of their team waited, their weapons ready.

The creature pursued, undeterred by its injuries, a testament to its unnatural vitality. Just as it seemed about to overtake them, a loud crash echoed through the supermarket as part of the ceiling collapsed, burying the