Hard knocks beat on the front door of Ryia's house. The kids peered up from their dinner plate, Drago's mouth full of food. Ryia motioned for them to keep eating as she approached the door. A heavy clunking noise on the outside as she opened it carefully. She saw Cassius' dead body lying on the ground, and no one else in sight.

"Oh my god! Cassius! Cassius! What happened to you? Wake up, darling!"

She started to tremble and knelt down to touch his face softly. She reached in ...