Jane stepped out of the log house, squinting into the pale wash of morning sun. She stretched her arms overhead, her jaw cracking with a tired yawn. The settlement was already stirring, doors creaked open, boots thudded against wooden steps.
Rebecca followed, one hand resting protectively over her stomach, a bright, almost stubborn smile on her face.
Jane arched a brow. "You look awfully cheerful for someone who barely slept."
Rebecca huffed softly. "Why wouldn't I be? This place has everything, food, water, walls, and guns… even a doctor." Her fingers curled over her belly. "And I get to teach kids again."
Jane folded her arms and leaned against the railing. "Yeah? What's so great about teaching loud, sticky, noisy kids?" She lowered her voice. "And you don't think it's strange? The way everyone worships the Lord… it's like some kind of cult."
Rebecca's smile faded. Her eyes darted toward a pair of men passing by. "I don't care what it feels like," she muttered. "The only thing that matters is my baby's safety." She stepped closer, lowering her voice further. "Be careful saying things like that out loud. Keep those thoughts to yourself...for your own good."
Jane's jaw tightened, but she said nothing.
Instead, she scanned the settlement. People moved with quiet discipline and purpose. Even in the short time she'd been here, she'd noticed it, loyalty ran deep. They believed every word their Lord spoke. And even the skeptics buried their doubts beneath polite nods and lowered eyes. Even they respected him.
Jane exhaled slowly.
She had to admit it, she respected the Lord. He had strength, control, intelligence. The place ran like a machine. Some of the stories about him sounded impossible… but she believed them anyway.
Because she had seen him do something impossible.
"All right, I'm heading out," Rebecca said, adjusting her bag over her shoulder.
"Sarah still asleep?" Jane asked, glancing toward the door.
Rebecca smirked. "Carlos was trying to drag her out of bed. If you're that worried, you could always check on her yourself." She turned and headed toward the small schoolhouse.
Jane scoffed under her breath. "Why would I worry about anybody? Crazy old woman."
The cabin door creaked open.
"Hi, Jane." Sarah stepped outside, rubbing sleep from her eyes. Carlos followed close behind, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder.
Jane straightened immediately, her smirk gone. "Well, look who finally decided to join the living." She nudged Sarah lightly. "I was just enjoying the sun. Where are you two headed?"
Sarah perked up. "I asked Clementine to talk to the Lord about letting me help Dad in the clinic, and he said yes!" She beamed. "We're going together."
Carlos gave a small nod, protective as ever.
Jane studied them for a moment, something unreadable flickering across her expression. "That's good. The clinic's safer than most assignments."
"What about you?" Sarah asked. "Did you decide where you're working?"
Jane shrugged, though her fingers tapped nervously against her arm. "Today's the day I find out which force I'm being assigned to."
Sarah's smile widened. "That's great! I hope you get something important."
"Yeah," Jane replied quietly. "Me too."
"We're going to be late," Carlos said gently.
Sarah waved as she and her father headed down the path, their shadows stretching long across the dirt road.
Jane watched them go.
The settlement looked peaceful in the morning light.
But peace, she knew, never lasted long.
"Okay… I have to go now," she whispered to herself as she headed toward the security office.
As she approached, she noticed a crowd gathering near the gate. Three trucks rumbled forward, escorted by motorcycles riding ahead. Her eyes widened slightly when she recognized the boy leading the convoy.
I still can't believe he's the same age as Clementine.
She didn't believe in angel nonsense, but one thing was certain:
That boy was not normal.
Ignoring the crowd's murmurs, she entered the office where new roles were being assigned. Thirteen others stood in line, waiting in tense silence for the warden.
After several minutes, a woman stepped forward.
"Everyone, my name is Andrea. The warden had urgent matters to attend to, so I'll be conducting the oath ceremony instead." Her sharp gaze swept across the room. "Each of you was chosen because the leaders see great potential in you. That's why you're here. Don't disappoint them."
Another woman entered, carrying a large board, and placed it at the front.
"As selected candidates for the Security Force, you will each receive a red badge. Keep it safe. If anyone without proper identification attempts to enter a restricted zone, they will be executed."
A small girl moved down the line, handing a badge to each recruit. Jane examined hers, a crimson emblem marked with a single wing.
"If you lose it, report to your team leader immediately," Andrea continued.
Everyone nodded in unison.
"As you can see on the board, there are four divisions."
She gestured to the list.
"The Blood Guard, also known as the Watch Unit, is the largest division. Their role is early detection and perimeter security, guard towers, wall patrols, and maintaining alarm systems.
"The Angel Police Department maintains order within the community, handling food theft, resource disputes, infection control, quarantine enforcement, riot prevention, and noise monitoring.
"The Angel Scout Division focuses on reconnaissance, supply security, scavenging, and early-warning operations beyond the walls.
"And finally," Andrea said, her tone lowering, "the Blood Angel division. You could call them our army. I'm not permitted to say much about them. Just know this...if you intend to join that division, you must be a believer."
A quiet tension settled over the room.
"Choose your division. Once you decide, you'll receive a tag and report directly to your division's leadership."
Jane considered her options.
Blood Guard meant constant supervision. Police meant paperwork and people.
Too many people.
As for Blood Angel, she didn't even consider it.
Her fingers tightened around the badge.
The Scouts, though… fewer crowds. More movement. More freedom.
And if she were honest, it sounded fun.
Without hesitation, she stepped forward and chose the Angel Scout Division. The same small girl handed her a scout's tag. After everyone had chosen, Andrea spoke again, her voice steady and commanding.
"Now you will take the oath."
The room fell silent. Even the shifting of boots stopped.
"Raise your right hand and place it over your heart."
Fourteen hands rose in uneasy unison. Jane hesitated for half a second before lifting hers. The red badge felt heavier than it should in her other palm.
Andrea's gaze swept across them.
"Repeat after me."
Her voice carried no warmth, only authority.
"I swear my loyalty to this community."
The recruits echoed her words, some louder than others.
"I swear to protect its people, its walls, and its future."
Jane spoke clearly, though something in her chest tightened.
"I will obey the Lord and the leaders appointed above me. I will not question orders in times of crisis."
Jane's jaw shifted, but she repeated it.
"I will report disloyalty, infection, and treason without hesitation. If I break this oath, I accept whatever judgment follows."
Silence followed the final repetition.
Andrea lowered her hand.
"From this moment forward, you are no longer civilians. You are the shield of this community."
The woman holding the board stepped forward again.
"Attach your badges."
Metal pins clicked into fabric one by one. The sound was small, but sharp.
Jane secured hers to her chest, staring at the single wing etched into its surface.
Then she turned and headed joined her division.