Naya's POV
I knew the Ascendant's Authority was similar to the organization Michael had spoken about—the same organization that controlled most factions in the previous world. They were also the organization I had worked for, although at the time, I had only been a beginning intern before eventually becoming a permanent staff member.
They are also responsible for my death and almost captured me just because they believe that I have something inside of me—something they can poke around. How much I despised them for that.
After he briefed me on the other factions, Lucian decided to let me rest for the night. It didn't take long before I fell asleep. For once, I could finally get enough rest and not be bothered about what I would eat or my safety.
The next morning, I made sure that Keisha was clean and dressed up, and so was I. We already had a pair of clothes in our stash, and Lucian had sent other clothes for us, as well as breakfast, for which I was extremely grateful.
After breakfast, the woman who had served us informed me of a program—like a school—that would be best for Keisha to attend. I glanced down at Keisha to see what she thought about going back to school. As a scientist, I always see the benefits of education, even in a world like this, but it was her choice.
She nodded her head and got dressed to follow the woman out. I said goodbye to her while I stayed outside our tent, alert, as I let my eyes scan the community. To me, everyone appeared happy and cheerful, like they hadn't experienced the worst change in their lives.
Then again, humans were always adaptable, even in the worst situations, but only with time could they change.
I spotted Lucian among the crowd, walking toward his monster truck with some men behind him. Without much thinking, I decided to approach. He was the one person who had been kind to me, and he was the reason we were safe in here and not wandering around out there.
"Lucian," I called out to him before jogging over.
A look passed between four of the men behind him, but they didn't linger, quickly filling the truck, only waiting for Lucian.
"What's up?" His eyes gazed down at me, and for a second, an expression passed through them but disappeared as quickly as it appeared.
"Are you heading back out?" I inquired.
He lifted a brow as though he was surprised that I asked. "Uhm, yes, we are."
I knew this was too much to ask, but for some reason, I wanted to see what the outside world really looked like without having to worry about hunger or my safety. "I was wondering if maybe I could come with you guys?" I watched his facial expression very carefully for a hint of discomfort that would allow me to back off, but there was none.
He bobbed his head. "Yeah, sure, you can come," he agreed, and I couldn't help the relief that washed over me.
Keisha would be safe here, and we'd probably be back before nightfall. He pulled the door open for me as I got into the front seat. He entered after me, sitting so close that it felt kind of weird. He smelled of pine wood, which was in stark contrast to the surroundings, where there were more fallen bricks than the green scenery of a forest.
Once again, it was a bumpy ride. The cities passed by us—or what could be considered a city—and I marveled at how the explosion had caused such destruction. I still couldn't wrap my mind around it.
I didn't realize that my expression showcased the horror inside of me when Lucian questioned, "Is this your first time seeing it?"
"Yes, yes it is. I can't believe an earthquake would cause so much destruction," I replied, not noticing the gaze with which he stared down at me.
We had been riding for such a long time, and I was beginning to get bored, until finally, the driver came to a stop, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"Why did we stop?" I questioned, and Lucian pointed toward the distance. There was a group of people gathered in a section ahead of us—survivors, I guessed.
"Wait here. We'll be right back," Lucian instructed, and my excitement earlier dwindled.
Although it would have been better if I had gotten closer to see, I had to listen to him. It was just too dangerous for me, and he was just looking out for me. That was rather considerate of him.
The other guys got out of the car, leaving the driver and me alone, watching from the truck through the windshield.
They advanced closer to the group of survivors and struck up a conversation, probably. I wasn't good at reading lips, but from there, everything went downhill.
I stilled, shocked, as I saw the group grab the little supplies they had and push them aside. The man tried to retaliate, but he was easily overpowered.
"What the hell is going on?" In disbelief, I watched the scene unfold. The group apparently had supplies in their car, which were brutally taken away by us.
The others packed the supplies back into the truck, leaving the group stranded. Lucian was the last person to jump into the truck.
I sat frozen between Lucian and the driver, watching as we drove past the angry group. What had we done? I wanted to ask, but I kept quiet, and my suspicion began to grow.
I thought they said they offered help to refugees, to those who didn't have a home. And yet, they seemed to be taking from others.
"Don't look so surprised, Naya. It's not what you think," Lucian tried to defend, and I glanced toward him from the corner of my eye.
What exactly did he expect me to think this was? It was a freaking raid; they stole from the weak.
"In those other factions I talked about, and in this new world, it's the survival of the fittest. Only the strongest will win," he stated firmly, keeping his focus on the road.
I said nothing more, and we drove back to the camp base, my suspicion growing. Who were these people really?