The Extinction Series | Book 1 | Primordial Earth

by Higgins, Baileigh

  Click. Click. Click.

  The bushes to her left rustled a bit. Was it a breeze? Maybe the clicking was a branch tapping a rock? No. There was no breeze. No wind at all.

  Click. Click.

  Directly ahead of her, a raptor stepped out of a bush. It was even bigger than she’d thought up close, towering above her at six-and-a-half feet. It stopped in its tracks, eyeing her with slitted pupils. Its nostrils flared as it caught her scent. She was marked.

  Click.

  The raptor’s head bobbed up and down as it stared at Rogue. The feathers on the back of its neck rose and fell rippled in a threatening display.

  Click. Click. Click.

  The sound came from her left this time. Rogue didn’t dare look away from the raptor in front of her. She knew there were more.

  Click. Click. Click.

  The raptor threw its head back, hopping with each threatening click that emanated from its long throat. The retractable sickle claws on its back feet gleamed, the razor-sharp cutting edges ready to disembowel her fragile form.

  Click. Click. Click.

  This time the sound came from her right. Rogue’s heart thundered in her ears. She was being flanked. They had her trapped. She had to act quickly before they sprang into action, or it would be too late.

  Rogue’s fingers fluttered across the ground as she searched for something without taking her eyes off the raptor. They danced across a rough chunk of concrete twice the size of her fist.

  A low growl emanated from the raptor’s throat as the creature danced forward. Without a second thought, Rogue whipped her arm back and slung the chunk at the raptor. She was stronger than she looked, her muscles possessing a wiry strength from years spent navigating the streets of Prime City. The concrete smacked into the raptor’s snout with a meaty thunk, and Rogue leaped to her feet as the creature shrieked.

  Instead of running away, she charged straight for the raptor. In one swift motion, she drew the machete from her belt and pulled her arm back. The creature was distracted for the moment, pawing at its face. As she swerved past, she swung the weapon, slicing open the raptor’s chest.

  The beast squealed in pain. Its cry was quickly joined by the others around her, but Rogue didn’t slow down. She propelled herself deeper into the forest. She didn’t know if she had killed the creature, but it wouldn’t matter. Its packmates would be hot on her heels, and they were fast. She couldn’t outrun them. She could only try to outwit them.

  With a whoop of fury, a raptor burst out of a bush on her right and lunged at her. Its jaws snapped shut mere inches from her face, and its hot, rancid breath washed over her nostrils. Rogue let out a strangled cry as she veered to the left. She could hear the raptors behind her, crashing through the forest. Her heart raced in time to their trilling cries.

  Through the trees, a raptor ran parallel to her on the left. Before the creature could act, Rogue skidded to a stop. As her feet slid across the ground, she spun on her heel, darting to the right. The raptors shrieked in protest as they flew passed her, but it wouldn’t throw them off for long.

  The sound of pounding feet filled her ears along with her own gasping breaths. Her legs grew heavier with each step, and her lungs were on fire. The heavy backpack cut into her shoulders and weighed her down. A high-pitched trill broke through her suffering. Instinctively, Rogue lurched sideways, barely managing to stay on her feet. A raptor slammed into a tree just past her shoulder.

  They were right behind her. At any second, one would leap onto her back, its long claws sinking into her flesh as she fell to the ground. The vivid image brought forth a sob of despair. She was doomed, and she knew it.

  She burst into a clearing and raced across the open field. A quick glance over her shoulder caused her to stumble. There were at least four raptors in pursuit. Probably more. She looked ahead in time to see the ground disappear into nothing and skidded to an abrupt stop. A ravine opened up before her feet, plunging down to a river far below, the water white and frothy as it whistled past.

  Rogue whirled to face the raptors, holding the machete in front of her. The raptors hissed as they closed in. As she swiped at one, another lunged for her. The creature narrowly missed. Its teeth clacked together a hair’s breadth from her arm.

  She couldn’t hold them at bay. The river was her only hope. Inching backward, Rogue glanced over the edge. The water looked deep, but looks could be deceiving. Rocks could lurk just below the surface, ready to shatter her bones. And what if she drowned? Five-year-old Lillian had gotten a few swimming lessons at her mom’s insistence, but Rogue had never swum in her life. Do I have a choice? It’s either that or the raptors.

  One of the raptors leaped forward, its teeth snapping shut mere inches from Rogue’s throat. She swung the machete, nicking the creature across the chin. It screamed and reared back as blood sprayed from the wound.

  Enraged, the other raptors closed in for the kill. It was now or never. Rogue jammed the machete back into its sheath and spun around. Without another thought, she jumped off the cliff. Just before she hit the surface, she looked up. The raptors peered down at her from the cliff, seeming perplexed by her actions, but they weren’t dumb enough to follow.

  Then the river closed in around her. The sudden icy cold made her gasp, sucking in a mouthful of liquid. Murky water swirled around her. Her vision blurred as she was pulled downstream by the fierce current.

  Kicking furiously, Rogue broke through the surface. She coughed up water before being pulled back down again. Her lungs burned, screaming for oxygen.

  With a great effort, she kicked to the surface again. The water splashed around her face as she struggled to keep her head high. Up ahead, a fallen tree stuck out across the river. Rogue focused on the tree, fighting her way towards an outstretched branch. As the tree neared, she reached for it.

  Just as her fingers brushed the first few twigs, Rogue slipped back under the water. Desperately grabbing for anything, she only came up with a fistful of leaves.

  The dark shadow of the tree trunk passed over her head, and her heart sank. She struggled to the surface once more, and a giant branch smashed into the side of her head. Despite being dazed, she wrapped her arm around the branch. It shuddered beneath her weight but held.

  Rogue coughed and retched, water pouring from her lips. Black spots prickled at the edge of her vision, and the cold leached the strength from her bones. She had to get out of the water. If she passed out now, she would drown. Her arms ached as she struggled to pull herself up the branch. It was nearly impossible with the heavy backpack weighing her down. Still, she couldn’t bear to let it go. It was too precious to her.

  Movement at the edge of the river caught her eye. A giant lizard-like creature rippled through the water. Horror filled her being, and Rogue hauled herself up with renewed vigor. The creature was most likely a Clidastes, the smallest of the mosasaurs. Though mainly a marine lizard, they were close enough to the coast for it to range upriver in search of food. Instead of drowning, she now stood a good chance at being eaten.

  Her arms shook as she pulled. She was so close to the trunk. She just had to get out of the water. Something bumped against her shoe, and primal fear spurted through her veins. The fear of the unknown, lurking in the murky depths of the water.

  She had no choice. The backpack had to go. With a sob, she shrugged free of the pack and allowed it to slip into the current. With it went every single thing she owned except the machete. She still had that, tucked inside its sheath. That and your life. You still have that too, now get out of the damn water!

  Rogue kicked with all her might, propelling herself further up. She managed to hook one foot on a branch, and her fingers clawed at the tree’s bark. Beneath her, the shadow of the Clidastes glided effortlessly beneath the tree despite the strong current. Its long snout surfaced briefly, filled with serrated teeth. As the creature circled back around, Rogue hauled herself up onto the trunk. There she lay exhausted, panting and coughing. The moss was sof
t beneath her cheek as she sucked in lungfuls of air. She was safe at last.

  The tree rocked.

  Rogue locked her arms and legs around the massive trunk. The tree shifted as it settled back into place. The giant shadow of the Clidastes drifted lazily with the river for a few moments before it turned around. The creature picked up speed as it approached. At the last second, it leaped out of the water and slammed into the tree. The trunk shuddered and rocked. As it settled, the tree began to slide off the rocks.

  “No, please, no!” Rogue tried to turn around, facing the shore. She had to get off the tree before it fell into the water. Her arms and legs shook with fatigue, her reserves nearly spent. She had barely managed to turn when the tree slid off the rock and into the water. It hit the surface with a splash while she hung on with all her might. Then, they were floating, and for a brief second, she thought it might be okay. As long as she stayed on top, the Clidastes couldn’t get her.

  Until the tree began to list.

  Rogue couldn’t bring herself to let go. The tree rolled slowly, bringing her closer to the water…and the Clidastes.

  Her fingers failed. They couldn’t hold on anymore. She slid off the tree. A whimper escaped her lips as she plunged into the water. Once again, the river welcomed her into its icy embrace.

  A branch smacked into the back of her head, and Rogue spun into a rock. She hit with bruising force. Spots danced across her vision, and the world blurred. In desperation, she reached out for the tree. A clump of leaves brushed against her fingertips as her world shrank to a pinpoint. Her hand closed around a thin branch. As her weight tugged on it, the branch snapped free of the tree.

  All Rogue could see in that pinpoint was the twig she held in her hand. The twig that had been her only lifeline. Her body was weightless as the river pulled her along, and the pinpoint faded into darkness.

  Chapter 13 - Bones

  With great care, Bones slipped from his bed in the middle of the night. He washed his face and hands, using a jug of water from one of the wells and a porcelain bowl. With an old razor and a sliver of soap, he shaved his face and neck. Next, he brushed his teeth and ran his hands through his thinning hair. He’d had it trimmed short the previous day in preparation for his journey.

  The only clothing he possessed was his Watch uniform. It consisted of a collared shirt, a canvas jacket, pants, belt, and boots. At least, his boots were almost new, and the uniform was made of thick, durable material.

  From a wooden chest, he pulled out a pack filled with supplies. He’d bought some of it and stolen the rest, ensuring he had everything he needed to survive in the outside world. Dumping the contents onto the bed, he went through it one last time.

  A long-bladed knife in a sheath went onto his belt. His Watch crossbow and quiver of bolts were slung over his shoulder within easy reach should he need it. The backpack was made of thick canvas and contained a basic first-aid kit, a canteen, a bedroll, a raincoat, an extra shirt, socks and underwear, a sewing kit, a couple of smoke grenades, a flare gun with two flares, a small ax, waterproof matches, a flashlight with extra batteries, a length of paracord, several MRE’s, and a selection of toiletries.

  The paracord, MRE’s, grenades, and the first-aid kit had been tough to get hold of. He’d had to break into General Sikes’ personal stores to steal them. He figured it was worth the risk, though. If he wanted to find Rogue, he’d need to survive the outside world long enough to track her. What about after? What happens when you find her? You can never come back here. You’ll be branded a deserter.

  He dismissed the thought. It didn’t matter what came after. He’d find her, and she’d welcome him with open arms. She’d finally realize how much he loved her. He’d be her savior. Her hero.

  He pictured Rogue in his mind. Her petite frame creeping through the alleyways. Her long dark hair and porcelain skin, untainted by the dirt and grime of Prime City. And those eyes. Those big, honey-brown eyes filled with such life and vitality she’d made every other woman pale by comparison. The thought strengthened his resolve, and he knew he’d made the right decision. Life simply wasn’t worth living without her.

  With fresh determination, Bones put everything back into the backpack and slung it onto his shoulders. It was heavy, but he was stronger than his thin frame suggested and carried it with ease. Without a backward glance, he left the small, barren room that had been his home for the past ten years. It meant nothing to him now.

  He slipped through the streets with ease. He knew every nook and cranny of Prime City by heart, and no one spotted him until he reached the wall. There, he found Jones, standing guard by the lift that went to the top of the wall.

  “Jones, it’s me,” Bones whispered, emerging from the shadows.

  “Did you bring my coin?” Jones asked.

  “I did,” Bones replied, handing over a clinking pouch, the remains of his life savings. He wouldn’t need it where he was going.

  Jones hefted the bag before nodding. “Good enough. Get onto the lift, and I’ll hoist you up.”

  “Did you oil the wheels?” Bones asked. “We can’t afford to get caught.”

  “Of course, I did. Now hurry up before my replacement comes along,” Jones said.

  Bones climbed onto the wooden contraption. “I’m ready.”

  Jones reached for the crank but paused. “Are you sure about this, Bones? You know you can never come back.”

  “I’m sure,” Bones replied with a curt nod.

  Jones shrugged, cranking the wheel. “You wouldn’t catch me going over the wall for some woman. Besides, she’s probably dead by now. Dino food.”

  Bones ignored him, his eyes fixed on the wall as it drew closer and closer. He didn’t care what Jones thought. He didn’t care what anyone thought, for that matter. Rogue wasn’t just some woman. She was special, and she was out there, waiting for him. He knew it. He felt it in his bones. Don’t worry, my love. It won’t be long now. Not long at all.

  Chapter 14

  Rogue was swept along by the river, the strong current tumbling her around like a rag doll. Her consciousness faded in and out, and she longed to give in to the darkness. But her will to survive was stronger than the urge to submit, and she fought to stay awake. A couple of times, her head broke the surface, allowing her to suck in a quick lungful of air. That kept her alive, but she had little control of her body.

  Suddenly, sharp pain lanced up her leg. Her eyes opened wide, searching for the source of the pain. A sinewy shape curled around her in the murky water. Thick, smooth, and muscled. Its long jaws had latched onto her leg, the wicked teeth cutting deep into her calf. Blood clouded the water, and she gritted her teeth to keep from crying out. The creature’s body whipped back and forth as it tried to drag her to the bottom of the river. The Clidastes!

  The marine lizard would drown her if she let it. Drown her and feast on her flesh, just like modern-day crocodiles did. Not today.

  Kicking furiously, Rogue booted the monster in the face with her free leg. It let go and swam away only to circle back for another attack. All thirteen feet of it. She felt for the machete at her hip, nearly crying with relief when her hand closed around the handle. The long blade was difficult to wield in the water, so she tucked her arm close to her side. Don’t try to cut it. Stab it.

  The Clidastes shot through the water, impossibly fast, its jaws open wide. With a bubbling cry, Rogue thrust the machete into its open maw. The creatures’ momentum drove it forward, and the point of the blade pierced the roof of its mouth.

  A cloud of crimson spewed forth from the wound, swirling around them in the water. The Clidastes shook its head furiously, and Rogue lost her hold on the machete. With a whip of its powerful tail, the water lizard disappeared into the gloom.

  For a couple of seconds, Rogue tread water, her eyes wide as she searched for the monster. But it was gone. She was safe for the moment.

  The burn inside her lungs was growing by the second, and she struggled toward the surface. Her w
ounded leg protested with every kick, but her need for oxygen overrode the pain. Black spots danced in front of her eyes, and her chest constricted until it felt like her lungs would pop like balloons.

  Just when she thought she wouldn’t make it, her head burst into the open air. Rogue gasped while trying to stay afloat. The Clidastes was nowhere to be seen, and neither was her machete. She’d lost the only protection she’d had, along with her backpack.

  Despair dragged at her limbs. She was in serious trouble. By now, the river would’ve carried her far from the city and deep into the wilderness. Weaponless, wounded, and with no food or water, she wouldn’t last a day.

  Still, she refused to give up. Moran wouldn’t allow her. She’d tell Rogue to keep on fighting, no matter what. You’re strong, Rogue. You can survive. I know you can.

  With Moran’s voice echoing through her mind, Rogue whipped around in the water. The nearest bank was only a few feet away, and she focused all her attention on gaining it. Swimming as hard as she could, she cut across the river at a diagonal, each stroke bringing her a little closer.

  It took forever. The current was strong and kept pushing her downstream. She had to fight for every inch, and exhaustion soon set in. The cold leeched into her bones, sapping her will. But, she kept going. Just a little more. Come on. You’re so close.

  A bend in the river appeared up ahead, and a thick stand of reeds jutted out into the water. A spurt of hope had her redoubling her efforts, and she reached out for a clump of reeds. Her hand closed over the wiry stems, and she launched herself forward with a strong kick of both legs. A surge of water helped her deeper into the weeds, and she pulled herself upward with both hands. At last, she was free of the river’s cruel embrace.

  Rogue crawled through the mud, dragging her aching body deeper into the stand of reeds. Darkness encroached on her vision, and she knew she could go no further. Hopefully, the tall grass would protect her from hungry eyes while the mud hid her scent.