What Will I Do Without You?

Prologue

Linh stared down the figures in black cloaks. The sun dipped below the horizon, making it all the harder to see the white patch that each figure bore on their shoulders.

"Well, Ms. Song? What will your choice be?" One figure asked.

"You must choose." Another hissed.

Linh was visibly shaking. She stared at one hooded figure, which held three vials. Each a different color.

"Who will you save?" One figure asked, with a hint of general curiosity at the edge of their voice.

Linh felt like collapsing to her knees and crying. But she couldn't, no, not here. She had to be strong. She must.

"Choose, girl." One figure hissed, holding out their hand as a ball of white fire came to life in their palm.

Fintan laughed. "Ooh, is the Hydrokinetic scared of a little tiny fire?"

Linh took a deep breath, trying to steady out her breathing and clear her mind. She looked forward at the figures, some of which were laughing.

"Choose, girl." Fintan urged, closing his fist on the fire.

Linh blinked back tears. She couldn't–no, she could, but she didn't want to–choose.

But she had to.