Prologue
Eris was screaming. The world was warped with pain and panic as crooked figures scuttled around him, jabbing him with needles and twisting his flesh. Glass reflected around him and loud white sheets rasped throughout the room, echoing inside his mind over and over again. His own endless wail began to peak, his breath drawing short.
He gasped, sending tears spilling down his feverish cheeks. The room blurred, and his surroundings melted into surrealism. Thick television static seemed to fill his eyes and ears as the world slipped away.
A soft brush against his skin woke him. He jerked up but saw a familiar face peering morosely into his, dark eyes watching his movements. His brother gently rubbed Eris's newly shaved head and held his bruised hand with his own icy one.
Eris opened his mouth, hoping to assure his younger brother of the certainty of their rescue but nothing came out. His head ached from pain and fright.
His brother leaned against Eris's chest, and quietly spoke. "They'll come for us. I know they will."
And so they waited.
And waited.
And prayed.