Doren was born with a powerful gift -- a gift he's managed to use to put him well on his way to becoming a star. But there is more to that gift than just musical talent, and as careful as Doren is to hide that fact, there are some who know of the power behind the sound, and all the ways they could abuse it.<br><br>August's goal in life is simple: make an impact in the music industry. An opportunity to work as the personal assistant to Doren seems to be exactly the kind of break he needs to accomplish that goal.<br><br>But all too often in life, simple becomes just another complication, especially when there are people whose goal is even simpler: destroy and dominate.

The Gift

“The reported death toll is sitting at sixteen with more expected once all of the vehicles have been searched,” the television announcer said. “Investigators have suggested the rain could be the cause for the structure’s collapse, although at this time they are not ruling out engineering flaws or construction issues.”


A camera, most likely directed from a helicopter by the angle of the shot, zoomed in on the destruction. “The top level of the bridge went first, crumbling to pieces atop the lower level. Travelers that were not killed by debris quickly succumbed to the turbulent water when the structure finally toppled.”


For once the news didn’t appear to be exaggerating. The bridge, the island’s main mode of transportation in and out, was a mess. There would be very little travel but by water or plane. And even that would be minimal because of the severe weather.


Chapter 28