Author: Audrianna

It looms over our city, its glass panes providing us protection from the world outside. The world that is full of carnage, ruined by mankind.
So we stay in the Dome.

. . .

I am close to my little brother, even after the death of our father. We look out for one another.
But, as Noah lies on the floor, I fear I didn’t look out well enough. His arms are held behind his back by an enforcer, twisted awkwardly. They hold him as if he were a criminal, not a boy in his own home.
The enforcers haul him to his feet. He stumbles. Blood drips onto the floor.
I throw myself at them, a childish action, but I can no longer watch. Hot tears slide down my cheeks as I pound them with my fists. The enforcers shove me away and I hit the floor, shaking.
“W-What are you doing?” I demand, my voice trembling.
“The public needs someone to blame.” The excuse comes as though it bears no weight behind it.
My hands shake. Something boils in my chest, an anger far worse than any other.
Enforcers drag Noah out of our home. My eyes lock with his, sending a message. I will come for you. I will not let you die. He chews his lip, his expression pleading with me to reconsider. But I will not.
. . .

I try to break him out, a mouse sneaking into a lion’s den. The guards are kind enough to let me off with just a warning. They should have thrown me in a cell. I will not back down easily, not when it comes to my brother.
So, I think of a new idea.
My father’s death led me to be more careless, to involve myself in people I shouldn’t. I came across Scarlett, who believes what is outside the Dome isn’t what we’re being told.
She is untrustworthy. I am being reckless, but I see no other option.
“This mission could crash in a moment,” she cautions. “You might not make it out with your head.”
“I’d rather die knowing I tried than live with having not done anything at all.”
She smiles at that, white teeth flashing. Treason never felt so good.

. . .

We’re in position, near minutes left until freedom or failure.
I’m jittery, my breath coming out in fast puffs. Air in the Dome is strangely cold, as if it senses danger.
Explosives chip at the Dome, sending waves of heat. Any moment we could break through.
An enforcer seizes me from behind. Panic floods my veins. They shouldn’t be here. Scarlett said we had time.
I realize it.
Trusting her was a mistake. I don’t expect her to stab me in the back. Suspicion was drowned out by foolhardiness. Now I will pay the price.

. . .

No light reaches the cell, no hope either.
Execution. That is the punishment for treason.
I was naive. And now it is too late. I am never going to see my little brother again.
Finally, they bring me out for my sentence. My pounding heart drowns out the noise of the crowd. I am terrified.
Bang!
A gun goes off.
The world spirals into chaos. Screams fill my ears.
And suddenly Scarlett is next to me, unlocking my shackles.
“Did you miss me?” she says, her voice honey.
Time to finish this.

. . .

Carefulness pays off.

. . .

The world outside is more beautiful than expected. There are lush trees of green and birds that sing sweet melodies.
Noah and Mother stand next to me. Hands intertwined, we will not let go. Freedom at last.