World War Three had changed civilization for the worse. The nuclear bombing had intensified pollution to the extent that the possibility of even seeing a bird in the sky or a single green tree was near impossible. The world had changed since World War. The fighting was so intense that every country was destroyed. The bombings left the world in shambles, literally and figuratively. Then there was that 1% who did nothing but profit from the war, relaxing in their penthouses on the beautiful countryside. Only the elite had means to survive and thrive these days. This begged the question, what would the poor do in retaliation? My father, Delalieu Warner, was paranoid about it. What if there was a peasant uprising? A revolution? He insisted I marry a strong man who could always protect me, though it was not my interest. I had not much of a choice. I needed someone to keep me safe. He couldn't always protect me after all. He was beginning to grow old and weary.

"I am aware an arranged marriage may appear a twinge bit outdated, my dear, but he is a very charming young man. I'm sure you'll warm up to him. Not bad looking, smart, strong, and he was recently promoted to General for his outstanding service in the war, a real brute he was. A warrior. In fact, he took out an entire town with only a knife and silencer," my father went on, arm around my own. Though I was not paying attention to his rant.

My father was hosting a Gala, a celebration since the war had ended. All of his corrupt political and military friends were at the party. I was supposed to form acquaintances with my new fiancée. I had other plans.

I dismissed myself, using the lie that I was going to the restroom. I instead slipped into the garden. It was just as stunning as the day we moved in after my father was promoted to chief of defense. I hurried into the maze, knowing it like the back of my hand. I halted when I heard muffled grunts of pain and shuffling. I quietly approached, frightened yet equally curious. I peeked around a corner to see a boy leaning against the wall of a bush and looking to be polishing or cleaning something small. He was strong with smooth and thick hair, the texture of hazelnut spread. His jawline is perfectly sculpted, sharp; his cheekbones are visible, his eyes the color of aquamarine.

Suddenly his eyes darted towards my position. Thankfully I'd retreated back around the corner before he spotted me. But I was just so curious. One more look wouldn't hurt. I turned to peek around the corner when he spoke.

"My.. aren't you quite the dazzling young lady," he said, approaching closer. He distracted me for just long enough to sheath the knife at his side. Though I'd noticed a glint of light reflecting off the metal in the corner of my eye. "I can't help but wonder what you might be doing here. It's dangerous to wander alone, don't you know? Are you lost? Do you need my help?" His voice was charming and comforting. I was stunned. His face was inches from mine; I hadn't even heard him approaching. I hesitated, his face was terribly beautiful, even more so up close. I was broken from my trance at the realization that he was waiting for an answer.