The first
My blade screeches, the sound of metal against metal, as I slash my arm in a smooth arc, severing the automaton’s head from its metallic body. A spray of black blood erupts from the torso, drenching my torn clothes, as what remains of the automaton falls to the ground with a thud, joining its fallen brothers. I stand still, panting as I stare at the heaps of metal that clutter the back yard of The Institute. I slowly lift my head and catch Talia’s eyes across the clearing. She’s clutching her sword tightly, point down, and, even from this distance, I can see her trembling; her hair has torn away from its braid during the battle and her face is smudged with dark fluid that’s probably a mixture of oil from the automatons and some blood of her own. Now that the surge of adrenaline from the battle is gone, her grey eyes are wide with fear as they hold mine. She tumbles forward and lands on her knees, letting her sword clatter to the ground as she gives in to her tears. I start towards...