Persephone’s Curse Read online

  “Jane wanted to talk to you. She said she needs more antibiotics,” Cam said. I yawned and scrubbed a hand over my face as he continued. “I told her she gets them as soon as we lay our hands on any, but you know her. She wants to make her point clear with you.”

  Everybody always came to me with their needs. If we were low on anything, it was on me to take care of it. They had their own opinions about what was important, and so did I. Currently, ammunition made the top of my list.

  “Maybe one of the others gets back with some information,” I said as a way of admitting I hadn’t been successful that night.

  “That’s what took you so long, then?”

  I grinned involuntarily. “Nah, I met a girl. Elin. I wanted to bring her along, but sadly, she resisted my charm.”

  Cam shuffled some papers then slid them into a drawer. “Should’ve known. It’s always a girl with you.”

  My stomach growled, so I made a face at him and took off, in search of a meal.

  In the large cafeteria, kids were playing catch. Dinner was almost finished; the large pot with watery soup was almost empty. Like most nights, Kathy, our fifteen-year-old chef, had saved a bowl for me.

  I wolfed down my food, not minding its blandness. Food was merely sustenance, so as long as it was warm and filled me up, I didn’t care how it tasted. Once finished, I longed for my bed, but to get to my bedroom I had to pass by Jane’s. I was prepared to tiptoe, but she was standing in her doorframe. She was creepily good at detecting when someone tried to sneak past her.

  “Cam was supposed to let you know I needed to see you,” she started.

  “He did.” I suppressed a yawn. “I’m exhausted, Jane. Can this wait for tomorrow?”

  She ignored my question, droning on about much-needed antibiotics for the younger kids who suffered from ear infections. At thirty-two, a good decade older than me, Jane thought it was her job to remind me of what we needed.

  “I know. If I had any idea where to get antibiotics I’d tell you about it first, but we’re running low on everything. The only thing we have enough of is hunger and disease. Just make do with what you have. I don’t know what else to tell you right now.”

  “That’s the thing. I barely have anything to make do with.”

  “Jane,” I flashed her a smile, despite not feeling it. “You’re a great doctor. I’m sure you’ll be able to improvise.”

  “Don’t think you can charm your way out of this. I’m immune to your smiles and compliments. It’s serious.” She had already disappeared into her room before I could tell her I understood her grave concerns.

  My room was my only refuge. The only place where nobody asked me to solve their problems. What had once been an old classroom was now my apartment. An unused movable blackboard stood off to the side. There was a couch in the corner, my cupboard with clothes and a dresser by the window. The sink didn’t have running water, but there was always a bucket with fresh water beneath it. I’d built the bed myself. Four school chairs acted as the corners, connected by scavenged wood pieces. I’d also attached tables to two of the chairs, which made for great nightstands. I was quite proud of it.

  I changed into a pair of sweatpants. Cool air nipped at my skin. I rushed to get under my blankets while the icy linoleum stung my feet. I cringed thinking of tomorrow, when I’d head back out for information. I already dreaded disappointing more people. I would’ve used the few moments of peace to rack my mind for a solution to our problems, but my eyes were already drifting closed. Maybe, for a few scarce hours, nobody would need my help.

  Two

  Elin

  My own scream startled me awake. I shot up from the cold ground, instinctively reaching for my knife. Cursing, I remembered I’d lost it two days ago. Weaponless, I could only catch my breath and listen for the sound of approaching feet. Only when I was sure nobody had heard me scream did I relax a little.

  I moved my hands to get some warmth back in them. Glancing out at the ground beside the bridge, I could see the street covered in snow. The sun wouldn’t be up for a few more hours but it was too cold to fall back asleep. Who was I kidding? It was too cold to stay where I was any longer. I desperately needed a better home for the winter.

  I gathered my meager belongings and stuffed them into my backpack. All of it was scavenged, even the shoes on my feet. My stomach rumbled as I got up. The bread that boy shared with me earlier hadn’t been much. I was used to hunger, but those last few days had been especially hard. With the rebel attacks increasing, the government was on alert more than ever, which meant more Military Police in the streets. I tried to avoid the MP’s as much as possible but that meant I couldn’t frequent some of the areas where I’d scrounge for food.

  Luckily, the streets were still very quiet this early in the morning. The only people crossing my path were those returning from their night shift at the electricity plant, far too tired to pay me any attention. There was a shelter a few streets down, but it was disappointing. Already there were people sleeping in front of it, a sure sign it was filled to capacity. They offered food, so I stood in line for that.

  At the front of the line was a kind looking man who directed people towards the table where people handed out soup and bread. I put on my most pitiful face.

  “I’ll need to see ID,” the man said and I almost froze in fear.

  “I don’t have any. It was stolen,” I lied.

  His face softened but then he glanced toward the building. His response was a whisper. “I can’t help you. Military has been on my case for not checking ID’s. Anyone without it is supposed to be reported. They’re hoping to find rebels that way.”

  I was hungry and not above begging. “Please, Sir, just some bread.”

  He shook his head. “I’m sorry. Leave now before I have to report you.”

  I dropped my chin to my chest, trying to look as defeated as possible. I made to turn but twisted at the last second. I pushed past the man, rushing at the table. He shouted, and I knew I had just a few seconds. I grabbed at the box of bread, both hands clasping several thin slices of bread.

  The man grabbed my arm, but I kicked at him and spun free, my momentum tossing him off balance. I ran around the line of waiting people. A few tried to grasp me, not taking kindly to my stealing what they considered theirs. Shouts behind me told me to stop. I kept running. I could hear heavy footsteps behind me. Military boots hitting the ground.

  My heart hammered as I turned the corner. I ran down the street and glanced back. The MP’s hadn’t rounded the corner yet. I ducked in front of a car and dropped out of sight. I flattened myself to the ground and scooted under the parked car. Holding my breath, I clutched the stolen bread to my chest. Heavy footfalls hit the ground as the military passed by.

  I pressed my head back against the ground, trying to breathe quietly even when I couldn’t hear them anymore. Only once my breathing had slowed, did I dare to move. First, I shoved the bread into my pockets, then I scooted out from my hiding place.

  I glanced down the alley but found it empty. I pulled my hood up as my red hair was far too easy to recognize. My stomach grumbled again and I took a small piece of bread from my pocket. It was stale as I nibbled on it but I couldn’t care less.

  I made it as far as the back of the alley when I realized my backpack was gone. Panicked, I hurried back to the car, but it wasn’t there either. I glanced the way I had come. Going back down that street to see where I had lost it was too dangerous. Besides, I could imagine what had happened; the old straps must’ve torn when the man at the shelter tried to grab me.

  It hadn’t been much but both my blankets were in that bag. Now all I had left were the clothes on my body. I knew my hoodie wouldn’t be enough to keep me warm. As always, when I didn’t have any strength left, I reached for the locket around my neck. I’d stolen it from a man who had once tried to attack me. I’d kept it as a last resort. Something I’d trade or pawn off if there were no other options. Until then I clutched onto it to remi
nd me of everything I had already survived.

  ◆◆◆

  Begrudgingly, I stared at the fence in front of me. As soon as the sun had risen, downtown was swarmed with even more MP’s than usual. Much as I liked the idea of the rebels giving the government a hard time for their crimes, I hated that their actions meant more military presence. The country had been on the brink of an uprising for years, and each time military within the city was increased, that uprising became more likely. When I hadn’t found shelter within the city limits I knew it was time to resort to different measures. Measures I hated. Like asking for help.

  I’d pretended to not be interested in Jayden’s offer the night before. It sounded too good to be true anyway. A roof over my head, food and even electricity offered — for free — seemed kind of unlikely but I didn’t have many options left. I could at least find out what the catch was and if I could live with it. Taking a deep breath, I slipped through the fence and approached the school building.

  There were a few kids outside, playing in the snow. I paid them no attention, instead looking right at the two armed guards who seemed to patrol that side of the building. They noticed me as quickly as I had noticed them.

  The kids were hurried inside at the order of a woman by the door.

  “Who are you? What do you want here?” one of the guards asked. I studied him. He still looked like a teenager. Even so, his gun was secure in his hand and he stood ready to defend his home.

  “I’m looking for Jayden,” I called out.

  Teen boy raised an eyebrow, then looked over at another guy by the door. They actually looked similar enough to be related. Both had brown hair and the same slim nose. The guy by the door appeared to be older, especially as he scratched his chin and regarded me with a thoughtful expression. “What do you want from Jayden?” he asked.

  I crossed my arms in front of my chest. “He said I could come here and would be welcomed. Besides, I have information he might care for.”

  “I’m Camden,” the older guy said. “Do you have a name?”

  “Jayden should know who I am. Unless he makes a habit of offering his address to random strangers.”

  Camden dropped his hands to his side, then glanced at the guard. “I’ll get Jayden. Josh, keep an eye on her, yeah?”

  When the door closed behind Camden, I glanced over at the teen. “Josh, it is? How about you lower your gun? I’m not here for trouble.”

  Josh shook his head. “Can’t do. We’re waiting for Jayden.”

  I rolled my eyes. My stomach rumbled again. I’d eaten the last of my bread earlier that day as I contemplated whether I would go there. The small piece of bread had barely taken the edge off my hunger.

  The door swung open again and Camden returned alongside Jayden.

  “Josh, lower your gun,” Jayden instructed. “She’s harmless.”

  While I didn’t necessarily agree with his description of me, I was relieved to no longer have a gun in my face. Jayden regarded me with a cocky grin.

  “You changed your mind?” he asked.

  Oh, that cockiness. I knew a ton of guys like him. Arrogant and self-assured, certain they were God’s gift to girls everywhere. Asking him for help already sucked enough.

  “I reconsidered your offer and in turn I might have something you want. I know where to find ammo and weapons. I thought we could help each other. It’s kind of difficult in town right now with the military and the snow,” I said.

  “So, you admit you need help?” He didn’t pretend that he wasn’t smug over the situation.

  I squared my shoulders and grit my teeth. Sure, I needed that place but I didn’t know if dealing with so much arrogance would be worth it.

  “If you wanna be a shit about it, I’ll find somewhere else to stay. Someone else to trade information with.”

  I turned and took a few steps forward. Hoped he’d give in before I had to admit I was bluffing. I turned my head to look over my shoulder when he called my name.

  “Can I pat you down to make sure you’re not armed?” he asked, this time the smug grin had left his face.

  “I’m not armed,” I said, turning fully to face him. I didn’t like the idea of anyone touching me. Pretty sure my defensiveness showed because he held his hands up in an appeasing gesture.

  “Look, I’m not trying to feel you up. I just have to make sure you’re not sent from the government. I can’t let you in and show you around without checking for weapons. Us living here isn’t exactly legal, it’s just tolerated by the government cause they think we’re barely alive anyway.”

  I huffed but I understood what he meant. If I had a safe home I’d make sure to not let an armed stranger in either and so I allowed him to pat me down. He was swift about it, didn’t let his hands linger anywhere they didn’t belong. I took a step back soon as he was finished.

  “Well, come with me then. I’ll show you around.”

  ◆◆◆

  Stepping into that building was like stepping into another world. First of course I noticed the warmth. I hadn’t felt warmth like that for weeks. The place was lived-in. Soft conversations came from down the hall and I even smelled food. I must’ve seemed a bit shocked because Jayden regarded me with an amused smile.

  “You want some food? We could talk over breakfast,” Jayden offered and I tried not to seem too eager with my answer.

  He led me down the hallway to where I assumed the smell of food was coming from. We walked past the large glass wall, revealing the view to a small atrium. It seemed to be the center of the building.

  “How many people live here?” I asked because somehow, I had imagined them to be just a handful. The space however seemed large enough to accommodate many more than a handful.

  Jayden scratched his chin. “Forty-seven right now. None of us are able to live within the grasps of the government for one reason or another.”

  We entered what must have once been a school cafeteria. The smell of warm food drew me deeper into the large room despite the number of people who eyeballed me.

  Jayden introduced me to Kathy, the young blonde managing the kitchen, who poured me a bowl of soup. They joked about it being potato soup again, which I didn’t understand, but smiled politely. Kathy seemed all right; her speech carried the slow drawl most locals used. It was her tone that made me like her instantly.

  I was still unsure what to think about Jayden though. He was overly nice, pulling out a chair for me, which I declined, instead sitting across from him where I could keep my eyes on the doors on either end of the cafeteria. I had to be careful. There was nobody in this world I could trust, even if they had helped me and offered me shelter.

  “So what’s the deal to living here? Can’t be government sanctioned.” I took a spoonful of soup and waited for his answer.

  “I’ve been here for two years. It started out just being Jane and me, then we met Camden and his cousins, and slowly more and more people joined us.” He took a sip from his glass of water. “Everybody around here pulls their own weight. Like Kathy, who deals with the kitchen. Also living in peace comes with a price. The government needs to believe this is a place of death and sickness, so they leave us alone.”

  I glanced at the others, who were eating, and none appeared ill.

  “Why would they think that?” I asked.

  Jayden’s eyes darted around the room before settling on me. “They sent a scout once. Things got out of hand. He was killed. Well … he was already dead, so we thought we might as well use that to our advantage. We left traces of dangerous viruses I’d gotten from hospital research wards on him. Made sure the military would find his body. Ever since then, they’ve believed this is a hospice. The way things went down back then … we weren’t fully satisfied with it, but we agreed that it was our best option. If he’d returned and told them about us we wouldn’t be sitting here today.”

  I swallowed hard, watching Jayden’s heavy expression. Necessity was an old acquaintance of mine, living in the streets, and se
lf-defense came at a high price; I knew that. I also knew the look on Jayden’s face; the feeling of being forced into a situation where hurting someone was a person’s only choice.

  “I understand,” I told him, “My two little sisters were kidnapped and held in the labs. I’d do anything to get them back. I get why you did it.”

  Sympathy played across his face and for a moment I hated that he might pity me, but he averted his eyes. He opened his mouth, looked up at the ceiling and inhaled deeply before he cleared his throat.

  “They have my sister, too. I’m planning on getting her back.”

  He straightened up again and stood. He smiled and told me to follow him so he could show me around.

  ◆◆◆

  The whole place was better organized than I’d expected. It featured several bedrooms in old classrooms, even running water and electricity — though they were completely off the grid. When Jayden told me that everybody pulled his or her own weight he hadn’t been joking. They not only had people on guard duty, and taking care of the kitchen — they even had a system in place for less important things like washing laundry.

  I had noticed that it seemed to be perfectly normal for Jayden to be in charge of showing a new person around here. Like the decision of whether I’d stay was solely his to make.

  “Why does it seem like you’re the one making decisions around here?” I asked. “I mean no offense, but aren’t you a bit young for all these people to listen to you?”

  Jayden grinned, inclining his head in a thoughtful gesture. “Someone needs to make decisions, and I was one of the first ones here. Me, Cam and Jane. Not like there was much of a choice in the beginning, so it just kinda happened. Besides, who cares about my age? I’m nineteen. I’m an adult.”

  As Jayden led me down the hall I glanced over at him. It wasn’t much of a surprise that people easily followed him. The way he carried himself — his chin held high and such pride and strength surrounding him — drew people in and even tempted me to trust him.