Chapter 1 - The Awakening
My voice echoed through the cold, stone walls of the chapel.
I demanded that the crematorium attendants step away from my wife immediately.
Helena Vale’s face twisted into an ugly mask of pure rage.
She ordered the men to ignore me and push the coffin into the roaring flames.
I did not hesitate for a single second.
I lunged forward and grabbed the heavy metal handle of the gurney, pulling it back with all my strength.
Marcus stepped in front of me, his fists clenched and his jaw tight.
He told me I was making a terrible mistake and ruining their final goodbye.
I ignored his threats and shoved him hard against the brick wall.
The sudden violence made the two attendants step back in fear.
I looked down into the silk-lined coffin and saw Clara’s chest rise again.
It was a shallow, agonizing breath, but it was undeniable proof of life.
I reached out and gently touched her cold, pale cheek.
Her eyelids fluttered, struggling against an invisible weight before slowly peeling open.
Her beautiful brown eyes were glassy and filled with absolute terror.
Dr. Crane suddenly rushed forward, pulling a large syringe from his black medical bag.
He claimed she was having post-mortem muscle spasms and needed to be stabilized for the furnace.
I grabbed his wrist mid-air and twisted it until the needle clattered onto the floor.
Clara weakly grabbed the sleeve of my coat with trembling fingers.
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She pulled me close to her face and whispered a warning that chilled me to the bone.
She told me we had to run because the local police chief was standing right outside the door waiting for his payment.
