The journey into the Army Zone was tense. Everyone knew the legends. Some said no human could survive the radiation that circled its outer borders, while others believed it was cursed ground—where lost souls of the old world wandered. But Ethan had maps, military codes, and a plan. He knew this place was never truly abandoned—only hidden from those who didn't understand its value.
As their convoy crossed the last checkpoint, an eerie silence fell. The outside world was chaos. But here, behind titanium gates and reinforced bunkers, the world stood still.
Alina stepped out first, clutching Aurora to her chest. She looked around: the buildings were cracked but standing. Nature had begun to reclaim some corners, but the structures were solid. Safe. Survivors in uniform—members of the last active militia—greeted Ethan and Elena, welcoming them back like long-lost warriors. This was once their home.
"This is where we'll raise her?" Alina asked, uncertain, staring at the steel walls and heavy gates.
"It's the only place left that the Reclaimer's army won't touch," Ethan said. "They fear what's inside these borders. The radiation keeps them out. But we have the means to live here—tech, immunity vests, filtered air."
"They won't find her here," Elena added, eyes fixed on her granddaughter. "And even if they do… they won't get past us."
That night, as the family settled into one of the underground safe units, Alina sat rocking Aurora to sleep. The baby stared up at her mother with wide, golden-flecked eyes. Then, as Alina whispered a lullaby, a soft glow radiated from Aurora's hands. The room filled with warmth, not heat—something else. Something… ancient.
"Aurora…" Alina whispered, stopping mid-song.
Kai, sitting across the room, froze. "Did you just see that?"
Before Alina could answer, Aurora blinked… and a burst of energy pulsed through the room—gentle, like a breeze, but unmistakable.
The lights flickered. The walls vibrated.
Elena came running, panic in her eyes—until she saw the child. The glow. The calm in the storm.
"It's starting," she whispered.
"What's starting?" Alina asked, holding Aurora tighter.
"She's not just powerful… she's awakened," Elena said. "She's what the Reclaimer has been searching for. A child born of war… but carrying the essence of something much older."
Ethan joined them, his face pale. "There are stories from the first outbreak… of children like this. Chosen ones. Vessels of energy that could either destroy… or heal what's broken."
Kai knelt beside Alina. "And she's ours."
"No," Elena said. "She belongs to the world. But right now, she needs you—her mother—to keep her grounded."
Tears welled in Alina's eyes. "I just want her to be okay. I want her to have a life that doesn't feel like a battlefield."
Ethan placed a hand on her shoulder. "That's why we're here. To build that life for her. To protect her destiny… until she's ready to choose it."
Aurora let out a soft sound and smiled.
And in that moment, Alina knew—no matter what lay ahead, no matter the wars or betrayals or losses… this child would change everything.
Her destiny had begun.