60
Kerina
I wake early and wander the quiet corridors of the underground dwelling. They are mostly deserted for this time of day. I need some fresh air, so I return the way we entered yesterday. I manage to locate the doorway, hoping to step outside again, if only for a short time.
‘What are you doing?’
I turn in fright at the harsh voice. ‘I just wanted some fresh air.’
The voice belongs to a lady. One eye is shut, the other is wide and staring. The skin surrounding the closed eye reminds me of melted candle wax.
‘It was burnt off,’ she says.
‘I didn’t mean to stare.’
The working eye runs its gaze up and down my body, assessing me. Taking in everything about me. I stand straight and try not to be intimidated.
The woman steps closer. ‘Rudolph called you the Okodee leader. You look
