The Rule of One (The Rule of One, #1)

by Ashley Saunders

belligerent step

My rage emanates from deep within—thrums across my skin, animates my fingers, balls them into fists.

My anger is my armor, and I am made of steel.

kangaroo jerky,

souped-up bikes

full bore

??

The government can be wounded. Blinded.

My feet stutter.

like a toddler trying to outswim a shark.

Save the twins

e-bike

SAVE THE TWINS.

mettle,

clamber

A relentless obstacle of trees stands in my way,

Humankind is everything’s and everyone’s most dangerous predator. Blindly killing its own planet, slowly wounding it over the centuries. Forcing my generation to mop up the blood.

For thousands of years, societies have built walls to keep their adversaries out or their populations in. But history tells us they all eventually fall. Stone, brick, wood, concrete, barbed wire, and tamped earth cannot keep a sharp mind and a desperate determination at bay forever.

I thrust forward, my body writhing with frenetic abandon, an aching cry pouring from my chest.

Wheezing, floundering, frantic to suck in air,

The four-lane road is designed with colorful trees and flowers flanking rows of streamlined buildings.

“My name is Sylvia. Please make yourself at home.”

🤣

The government is always watching, but now so am I.

opulent gardens

Placid.

I feel no fear. Only resilience. Grit. Strength.

jumbotron

Dwarfed by our identical faces, Governor Roth glares up at his screens.