Those Who Remain Novels & Stories

Even the usual night sounds crickets, owls, wind were missing. “Kye,” I said softly. “We’re not alone.” His spear was in his hands before the sentence finished. “How close?” “Not close enough to strike yet,” I whispered, closing my eyes. I could feel them. Not the cloaked ones. Not the creature. “They’re not enemies,” I added. “But they’re not allies either.” Mira frowned. “Then what are they?” “Remnants,” I said. Finnick sat up slowly, wincing. “Of what?”

“What are these things?” Jorah cut another down, golden eyes burning. “Not wolves. Not anymore.” Dani twisted around an attacker, driving her dagger straight into its throat. “Well, they still bleed.” Caelum barely moved, his silver gaze tracking the fight. “They are remnants.” Lyla’s breath hitched. Remnants. The ones who had been too weak to become Elders. The ones the Elders had experimented on. Twisted. Changed. Left behind. They weren’t just fighting survivors.

A long moment of silence stretches, no single person moving. “This is not a demand. I won’t hold it against anyone who stays. I understand the risks. But if we are to go after him, we need warriors. Fighters. People who won’t blink in the face of death. Because that’s what we may be walking into.” I let that truth settle. “And to those who stay behind,” I add gently, “you have a duty too. To protect our young. Our elders. Our land. You are just as important.” I look around again, voice softening.

‍ Stay‍i‌ng. Com‌ing back. Again. And again‍. ‍ And somehow ⁠ they did. ⁠

Jason's POV "Yes but the issue is with the neighborhood," I reminded him and he ignored it continuing his rant, I groaned looking at the man who was having a debate with himself. I looked around the room at the 16 important businessmen and women of other successful companies, who look just as uninterested as I felt. "He's been talking since we got here," a female voice whispered beside and I chuckled looking over to the blonde. "Rihanna Wellington," she introduced and I shook her hand smiling.

Then back at me. "Dating...hmmm..." he murmured. "Yeah," I murmured. "Does that mean Amy stays with us forever?" Ryan's mouth curved into a slow, quiet smile. "That's the plan, buddy." Liam threw his arms up. "Yay!" He launched himself at Ryan, and Ryan caught him easily, laughing, and I sat there watching the two of them and felt something so full and so quiet settle in my chest that I did not have a single word for it.

Daisy walked back to the main house. Everyone was busy with dividing rice into trays, working at full capacity. They are the elderly people but so healthy. They like to work to be moved around and don't like to sit in one place feeling cramped and tired. Daisy really admires them.

I touched her face and gave her a reassuring smile. “I’ll explain everything.” My gaze locked on hers. “Do you trust me?” Without hesitation, she nodded. “Yes, I trust you.” A faint shift came through the mind link. Keth’s voice entered my thoughts. Most of the Alphas are preparing to leave the castle, he reported. I responded instantly. Who remains? Alpha Kaedric… Silas… and Arthur. Interesting, Obsidian commented. Yes, it is, I agreed. The link was cut. At the same moment—

“I won’t see our name dragged through the mud.” Lillian looked at him steadily. “The name is already there,” she said. “You just haven’t looked yet.” He left without another word. Others followed more slowly. Some in anger. Some in visible grief. By the time the room emptied, only Beatrice, Lillian, Elena, and Nathaniel remained. The portraits watched silently. Elena exhaled shakily. “They’re not ready.” “No,” Beatrice said. “And some never will be.” She turned to Lillian.

he immediately announces his intent to raid the municipal and as soon as he finishes everyone in the group stands up, even Kaye who was crying the entire time stands up too. But before everyone takes action, Uncle Bobby stops them and speaks. "all of us can't attack the municipal in one sweep blitz there should be a group who will stay here to guard our place and the remaining survivors" Everyone has been blinded by their rage and slowly calm themselves. Bhlezy is the 1st one who talks. "I think I should stay, even though I want to beat them. My father is still here and I can't leave him alone" Dessa followed her up. "I think I should stay with Bhlezy". Uncle Bobby hugs her and replies to he