Kindling the Storm, Book 2 - Anslo Ignited

Sample Chapter

Angel saw the crowd before he heard them—people gathered at the edge of the bridge, their voices a low murmur of anxiety. He glanced at Eddie, her face tight with tension, as they approached. She hadn’t said much since they left the garden. The city was alive with tension, and something in the air felt different today. He could feel it in the hurried footsteps of people on the street and the way no one made eye contact.

As they reached the bridge, Eddie pulled Angel to the side, trying to get a better look at what was happening. The crowd’s murmurs grew louder, and Angel caught fragments of conversation—words like "arrest," "Intington," and "traitor."

“What’s going on?” Eddie whispered.

Angel scanned the area. “It looks like… something big.” He saw military vehicles, their black silhouettes ominous against the cloudy sky. A few soldiers stood guard, rifles at the ready. Angel’s stomach twisted. This was the last place they should be.

Suddenly, a loud voice crackled over a megaphone, “All unauthorized personnel must leave the area immediately.” Angel could see the panic in people’s eyes as the crowd began to disperse, pushing and shoving to get away from the scene.

Eddie grabbed Angel’s hand. “We need to go. Now.”

But before they could turn, the air was shattered by the sound of gunfire. Angel felt Eddie tense beside him, and they both ducked instinctively, their eyes wide. People screamed, and the chaos intensified as the crowd scattered in every direction. Angel pulled Eddie closer to him, shielding her as best as he could.

“We can’t stay here,” Angel said, his voice barely audible over the chaos. He looked at Eddie, her eyes locked onto his, filled with fear but also with determination.

“No,” Eddie said, her voice shaking but resolute. “We need to know what's happening.”

Angel hesitated, torn between wanting to protect her and knowing she was right. He looked toward the center of the bridge, where soldiers were dragging someone—a man, struggling, his face half-hidden by shadows.

“That’s… that’s my father!” Eddie gasped.

Angel’s heart pounded as he saw the recognition in her eyes. There, amidst the chaos, was Martin Winslow, his hands bound, his face bloodied. Angel knew they were out of time. Whatever came next, there was no turning back now.