Prologue
23rd May 2012
525949 minutes,
8765 hours,
365 days,
52 weeks,
1 year.
It’s been 1 year
I was safe, and I had a family.
Blink.
Everything changed in the blink of an eye.
My family was killed - shot through the chest.
My boyfriend killed them.
I could not save my parents, the people who had taken me in and hidden me, because I was already running.
Running from the man I loved because he betrayed me; he told The Council all about me.
The Council are the people who created me.
I am genetically modified - I can convince you to do anything I want.
My name is Ciara Baynes.
One year ago I started running.
I never stopped.
Chapter 1 - 23rd May 2011
The surroundings blur as my eyes focus on the finish mark mere meters away from me as my legs pump furiously propelling me forward.
Stop
I do as my sixth sense tells me and stop thinking.
Focus
As an extra burst of speed forces my legs forward I cross the mark seconds before the other competitors.
Listen
The sound of cheering and announcements rushes into my ears and surprises me.
Run
An opening chapter by
Sarah Hobson