Rise

By Margot de Klerk

All I want is to keep my sister safe, but in a small town on the edge of the wastelands, what can one waitress do?
Two years ago, I danced for the local gang. Now I’ve escaped that life but, to keep the peace, I pass them information. If you misbehave in my bar, you can bet I’ll be telling on you. It doesn’t seem like much of a sacrifice until a mysterious new boy comes to town. As I delve deeper into his past, I start uncovering terrifying plots brewing in my small town.
The local gang has always maintained their power with an iron fist, and now that is under threat. But my allies see me as nothing more than a former dancer, and it seems like no one will believe me. Who do I turn to? Ellery, the man who helped me escape the gang, or Bas, the principled but enigmatic new member, who seems to push all of my buttons?
People I thought I could trust are turning out to be enemies in disguise, and people I was certain were dangerous seem to want me on their team. I don’t know where to turn. I don’t know who is a friend and who a foe.
What I do know is this: when the dust settles, the only person I can rely on to have my back… is me.