Chapter 2

But its soul would not suffice.

An engine purred in the distance, a twin set of lights appearing down the road. The dog spotted Artem across the street and barked, tail wagging as he trotted in Artem’s direction. Everything seemed to slow down, his focus pinpointed on the dog. It didn’t see the car cruising in its direction and the person behind the wheel was doing a terrible job of keeping the vehicle in a straight line. Even at a distance, Artem could smell the taint on the driver, a mind clouded by alcohol that led to a poor decision.

Artem didn’t know what to do, didn’t know how to stop the accident he was about to witness, short of running out into the street himself. But by the time he decided to react it was already too late.

Tires squealed on wet pavement.

2